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REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.  D.  D. 

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JUDICIAL   ACTS 

OF  THE 
v^  OF  THE 

.ASSOCIATE  REFORMED  CHURCH 

OF 

MOR^I^H  AMERICA^ 

EMITTED, 

FROM  TIME  TO  TIME, 

AS 

•OCCjiSIOKAL  TESTIMOmES  ^GALYST  PREVAILmO  ERRORS- 

ftOGETHER 

WITH   A    VVARlfING   AGAINST   HOPKINSIAN 

AND 

OTHER  ALLIED  ERRORS, 

ADDRESSED  BT 

TiiE  Associate  Reformed  Synod  os*  the  West 

TO 

TIUE  CHURCHES  UNDER  THEIR  CARE; 

WITH 

^hort  Narrative  prejlxed  of  the  State  and  Progy^ess  of  such  errors. 

TO  ALL  WHICH  IS  PREFIXED 

THE  ORXGIirAIi  CONSTZTUTIOK 

OF    THE 

ASSOCIATE  REFORMED  CHURCH. 


JVASHljYGTOJyy  OHIO. 

PRINTED  BY 

iEXAnXZX.TOM*  ROBB. 

I  «  3  0  . 


jSxtractfrom  the  minutesrofihe  Jl,  B.  Church,  for  ihe  i/ear  lM9i 

Moved  bj  Messrs.  Morrow  and  Pinwiddie, 

Jtesolved,  That  it  is  expedient  to  publish  the  acts  of  the  Associate 
Reformed  Synod  emitted  from-time  to  time  as  occasional  testimonies 
against  prevailing  errors;  and  that  be  a  committee  to  cause  such 

number  of  copies  of  the  same  to  be  printed  as  may  be  required  by  the 
several  presbyteries  to  supply  the  people  respectively  under  their  in- 
spection. Approved,  And  Messrs,  Findlcy,  Steele  and  Proiidftt^ 
^ere  appointed  said  committee. 


CONSTITUTION 

OF  THE 

Associato  Reformed  Church. 


ARTICLE  I. 

IT  is  the  resolution  of  thisSj^nod  to  persevere  in  adhering  to  Ae  sys^ 
tcm  of  truth  laid  down  in, the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  exhibited  in  the 
Conlession  of  Faith,  and  Catechisms  larger  and  shorter;  and  to  the 
fundamental  principles  of  gospel  worship,  and  ecclesiastical  govern- 
ment, held  forth  in  the  directory  for  public  worship,  and  the  form  of 
Presbyterian  church  Government,  agreed  upon  by  the  Assembly  of  di- 
vines at  VVestmins^r,  with  the  assistance  of  eoramissioncrs  from  the 
church  of  Scotland 

This  declaration  does  not,  however,  extend  to  the  following  sections 
©f  the  Confession  of  Faith,  which  define  the  powers  of  civil  government 
in  relation  to  religion,  viz.  chap.  xx.  sec.  4.  chap,  xxiii.  sec.  3.  chap* 
xxxi.  sec.  2.  These  sections  are  reserved  for  a  candid  discussion  on 
fiome  future  occasion,  as  God  may  be  pleased  to  direct.  Nor  is  it  to  he 
construed  as  a  resignation  of  their  right  to  adjust  the  circumstances  of 
public  worship,  find  ecclesiastical  policy,  to  the  situation  in  which  Di- 
vine Provident  e  may  place  us.  All  the  members  of  Synod,  in  the  naeau 
time,  acknowledge  that  they  are  under  the  most  sacred  obligations  to 
avoid  unnecessary  criticisms,  on  any  of  these  excellent  treatises,  which 
would  have  a  native  tendency  to  weaken  their  attachment  to  the  truths 
therein  contained. 

If  any  of  the  members  of  Synod  shall  conceive  any  scruple  or 
scruples,  at  any  article  or  articles  of  the  Confession  of  Faith,  Cate- 
chisms, Directory  for  Worship,  or  Form  of  Presbyterian  Government; 
or  shall  think  they  have  sufficient  reasons  to  make  objections  thereto, 
they  shall  have  full  liberty  tocommunicate  their  scruples  or  objections 
to  their  brethren,  who  shall  consider  them  with  impartiality,  meek-> 
ness,  and  patience,  and  endeavor  to  remove  them,  by  caJm  dispassion- 
ate reasoning:  No  kind  of  censure  shall  be  inflicted  in  cases  of  this 
nature,  till  this  Christian  process  shall  be  fairly  tried;  unless  those 
scrupling  or  objecting  brethren  shall  disturb  the  peace  of  the  church, 
by  publishing  their  opinions  to  the  people,  or  urging  them  in  Judicd^ 
toi4cs  with  irritating  and  schismatical  iea.L 


*  O©NSTITtJTI01i 

ARTICLE  ir. 

The  ministers  and  elders  met  in  Syr.od  also  declare  their  beariyap. 
probation  of  the  earnest  contending  for  the  truth,  and  maguanimou? 
sufferings  in  its  defence,  by  which  their  pious  ancestors  were  enabled 
to  distinguish  themselves  in  the  two  last  centuries;  That  ihey  have  an 
affectionate  remembrance  of  the  National  Covenant  of  Scotland,  and 
of  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant  of  ScotlaHd,  England,  and  Ireland, 
as  well  intended  engagements  to  support  the  cau?e  of  eivil  and  reli- 
gious liberty,*  and  hold  themselves  bound  by  the  Divine  Authority  to 
practice  all  the  moral  duties  therein  contained,  according  to  their  cir- 
cumstances: That  public  and  explicit  covenanting  with  God  is  a  mor- 
al duty  u*ider  the  gospel  dispensation,  to  which  they  are  resolved  to 
atte'id,  as  He  shall  be  pleased  to  direct:  That  it  is  their  real  intention 
to  carry  with  them  all  the  Judicial  Testimonies  against  defection  from 
the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints,  which  have  been  emitted  in  the 
present  age  by  their  brethren  in  Britain,  as  far  as  these  testimonies 
serve  to  display  the  truth,  and  comport  with  the  circumstances  of  our 
church;  and  they  will  avail  themsWves  of  every  call  to  bear  a  pointed 
testimony  against  the  errors  and  delusions  v^hich  prevail  in  Ihls  coun- 

ARTICLE  IlL 

The  members  of  Synod  also  acknowledge  with  gratitude,  that  they 
are  bound  to  honor  the  religious  denominations  in  Britain,  to  which 
they  formerly  belonged,  on  account  of  their  zeal  for  the  purity  of  the 
gospel,  and  <>f  their  laudable  endeavors  to  promote  it,  rot  only  in  Brit- 
ain and  Ireland^  but  alf:o  in  America:  And  they  profess  an  unfeigned 
desire  to  hold  an  amicable  correspondence  with  all  or  with  any  of  them, 
and  to  concur  with  them  in  every  just  and  laudablp  measure  for  pro? 
iBoting  true  and  undefiled  religiork 

ARTICLE  .IT. 

Tt  IS  the  resolution  of  the  Synod  never  to  introdur^,  nor  suffer  to  be 
introduced  into  their  church, the  local  controversies  about  the  civil  es- 
tablishment of  th«  Presbyterian  religion,  and  the  religious  clause  of 
some  burgess  oaths  in  Scotland,  or  any  unnecessary  disputes  about  the 
origin  of  civil  dominion,  and  the  requisites  for  rendering  it  legal  in 

*  The^members  of  Svnod  esteem  themselves,  and  such  of  their  people  as  have  emi- 
grated from  Britain  and  Ireland,  deeply  interested  in  these  solemn  transactions,  and 
they  have  a  lively  sense  of  the  obligations  they  are  under  to  prosecute  the  ends  there- 
©f,  in  a  suitableness  to  their  circumstances:  but  when  they  consider  themselves  as  the 
reprcsentativ.:!S  of  a  church,  of  which  some  are  now  members,  and  many  more  may  be- 
come members,  who  never  were,  directly  nor  indirectly,  under  the  formal  obligation  ot 
these  covenants,  as  being:  foreisjners,  or  the  posterity  of  foreigners,  they  cannot  help 
thinking  that  they  would  go  beyond  their  proper  line,  should  they  acknov/Icd^c  ihcio 
ip  an  V  other  form  than  that  which  is  expressed  in  this  Eurticle.  > 


»  CoNSTrTLIToX'.  a 

urrumslancos  dissimilar  to  those  in  which  IhemJ-elvcs  arc  placed. — 
Th('>  Cbikv.:n  •hemsclvps  bound  to  detach  lh(Mr  religious  profcssioii 
from  all  loroimi  connexions,  and  (o  honor  the  civil  powers  of  America* 
;ooscieiitiuusly  submitting  to  them  in  nil  their  lawful  operations. 

ARTICLE  V. 

That  the  aba&e  of  ecclesiastical  censures  maj  be  cfTectually  prcvent- 
tsd,  tt-e  iollowii  g  i^creral  rule  of  discipline  is  unanimous!}/  adopted,  v\x.' 
That  notorious  violations  of  the  law  of  God  in  practice,  and  such  er- 
rors III  principle,  as  unhmge  the  Christian  profession,  shall  he  the  on- 
ly sca!;djls  for  which  thesentenrc  of  deposition  and  excommunicatiort 
shall  ^e  passed  :  and  that  the  highest  censure  for  other  offences  shall  bc^ 
a  dissolulion  of  the  connexion  between  the  Synod  and  the  offender. 

ARTICLE  \T. 

The  terms  of  admission  to  fixed  communion  with  the  Synod  sliall  be, 
souridnos  in  the  f lifh,  as  detined  in  the  above  mentioned  Confession  of 
F.iith,  Catechisms,  Sic,  submission  to  the  government  and  discipline  oX 
^hp  church,  aud  a  holy  conversation. 

ARTICLE  VIL 

The  mcmljep^  of  Synod  also  acknowledge  it  to  be  their  duty,  to  treat 
pious  people  of  other  denominations  with  groat  attention  and  tendcr- 
nes*.  Tiv  y  are  willing,  a?  God  affordetli  opportiiiiity,  to  extend 
communion  lo  all^n-ho  in  every  pface  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus^iu 
co!iA)rmii<  ro  his  will:  But  as  occasional  communion,  in  a  divided  state 
of  tfcie  cburc'"*,  may  produce  great  dtsordeis,  if  it  be  not  conducted  with 
mueti  wisdom  and  moderation,  they  esteetn  themselves,  anc^the  people 
under  their  inspertion,  inviolably  bomid,  in  all  ordinary  cases,  to  sub- 
mit  to  every  rebiriction  of  their  liberty,  which  general  editication  ren- 
ders necessary.* 

This  article  is  not,  however,  to  be  construed  as  a  licence  to  encour- 
age vasjrant  ^)reicbers,  who  go  about  uiTtler  pretence  of  extraordinary 


♦  Thr  i)rinci!)l('  cxprcsseil  in  this  articlr,  is  not  a  now  principle  adopted  by  the  Sy* 
nod.  It  is  one  ofttic  received  principles  of  the  Hocesfion,  and  it  is  set  in  a  very  =tron<»- 
titrhtin  the  '26th  chapter  of  ttic  Confession  of  Fail  h,  -vvl'ich  largely  describes  the  com- 
munion  of  the  catholic  cliurch  .  The  members  of  synod  do  not  mean  to  draw  any  oth- 
er conclusions  from  it,  than  were  drawn  by  their  pious  anceslors  in  times  of  the  great- 
^«t  zeal  fot  the  piipitv  of  religion  .  No  objection  can  therefore  be  justly  etated  against, 
it,  as  it  stands  in  the  article,  but  what  may  be  made  to  it,  as  it  stands  in  the  Confession 
of  Faith  .  The  a-iplication  of  the  princinle  to  particular  cases  may  indeed  be  attend- 
ed with  some  difiicuUies.  Wc  are  not,  however,  accountable  for  these  (JiHiculties,  a= 
they  aii-e  from  the  divided  state  of  tbochtir.  h  of  Christ.  The  article  is  cuarded,  aud 
cannot,  without  the  most  evident  perversion,  be  construed  as  a  licence  to  hold  unscrip- 
tural  communion  witli  other  churche=.  It  is  the  intention  oi'lhe  Synod  not  to  go  into 
coni>e\ionswi«h  any  <lenomination  which  are  contrary  to,  or  inconsisteiit  wit})  the  spr 
;^  of  what  i9H':!'t:llT  styled  <bcCoyor.r,rfodp»rorrTi.<.t;r.n  .  '    '  .    '    ' 


2ca]  and  dcvod'oii,  aiid  as^  not  subject  to  the  government  and  disciphne 
of  any  tegular  church* 

ARTICLE  "VIIL 

As  the  principles  of  the  Synod  are  detached  fron^  the  local' peculiar- 
ities by  which  the  most  considerable  parties  of  Presbyterians  have  been 
kitherto  distinguished,  it  is  farther  agreed  to  reject  all  such  applica- 
tions for  admission  to  fixed  communion  with  the  Synod,  that  may  at  any- 
time be  ufiade  by  persons  belonging  to  other  denominations  of  Presby- 
terians^ as  evidently  arise  fronfi  caprice,  personal  prejudice,  or  any  otiK 
er  schismatical  principles;- and  that  the  only  adnraissibJa  app)icatior5 
shall  he  such,  as  on  deliberate  examination  shall  Ik  found  to  arise  from 
a  sohd  conviction  of  duty,  and  to  discover  l^hristian  nn.etkness  towards 
the  ymrty  whose  eommunton  is  rehnf|uished;  or  such  as^re  made  by 
considerable  bodies  of  people,  who  are  not  only  destitute  of  a  fixed  gos- 
ipcl  miotstry,  but  cannot  he  seasonably  provided  for  hy  the  denomiua* 
tion  of  Presbyterians  to  which  they  belong*^  h  is,  how  ever,  thought 
|^rGper,,thcit  applications  of  the  last  kind  should  not  he  admitted,  t\\\ 
&>e  l>odies  by  whom  they  are  made  shall  previously  inform  the  judica- 
tory which  hath  the  immediate  inspection  of  them,  of  the  reasons  of 
^^eir  intended  application,  and  shall  «se  all  4ub  means  to  obtain  th« 
onenrrence  of  thai  judicatoiy. 

AN  ACT 
Concei'mng  Judicial  Tcsfitnonies^  '^ 

Passed  J  one  T,  I797> 


WHEREAS  a  nnmLcr  of  people,  under  the  inspection  of  the  As- 
*i«ciATE  Reformed  Svi^.o©,  eiitcrtain  doubts  as  to  their  principles  aid 
ir.tentions  with  rej^pect  to  the  maintenance  of  a  faithful  testimony  for 
the  truth,  as  it  i»  in  Jesus;  snd  xvhereas  these  doubts  are  accompanied 
Vv'ith  anxiety  for  a  judicial  publication^  copioKsly  illustrating  and  de- 
^i'luiiiig  the  doctrines  of  the   gospel  j    and    enumerating,   refuting,  and 

^mleruning  errors  and  heresies; — to  be  called  a  Testimony;  TheMin- 
'^ters  and  Elders y  in  Synod  assembled ^  think  it  incumbent  on  therrt 
to  exphiln,  &nd  by  this  act  they  do  explain,  their  real  views  of  these 

^Icrcstiiii^  sabjcets. 

Upright  ftnd  ojven  lesthnony  for  the  truths  of  the  Lord's  word,  whe- 
ther relating  to  doctrine,  disciptuie,  worship  or  manners,  is  the  indis- 


'■  It  ha?  hcen  tliinjglit  proper  lo  prcfiA  the   Act   concerning  Judicial   Testimonies, 

'  ihh  explains  ih.i^  rr.-tsons  for  which  the  Synod  adopted  the  mode  of  occasional  tes- 

♦inionics,  as  pyc-ferable  toany  other,  in   applying  their  ascertained   principles  to  th« 

♦jJB'Uciitioucf  ti'illi  and  'h"  rktnction  c-f  QU-Qv.r—P'Mishi.'ig  Ccnnmittef;. 


r.ensable  duty  of  all  Christian*;?  especially  of  the  miniitcrs  and  Ju»li- 
catories  of  the  church,  nho,  from  their  office,  ou^ht  to  be  set  for  the 
defence  of  the  e;o3pel. 

Judicial  testimonies,  being  designed  to  operate  against  prevalent  er- 
ror, are.  Jest  they  slionld  miss  their  aim,  to  be  wisely  adapted  to  the 
immediafe  cireu instances  of  the  church. 

Both  these  principles  have  been  fully  reco^ized  by  the  Synod  in 
their  published  act  of  May,  1790,  entitled  An  art  to  amoiU  l/w  mnsti- 
tution  of  the  Jissociale  Urformed  Synod.  H^€y  therein  declare,  that 
"they  consider  the  conlession  of  faith,  larger  and   shorter  catechisms, 

Ur«ctory  for  worship,  and  form  of  church  government,  as  therein  re- 
•*  ceived,  as  tlieir  fxed  testimony y  by  whicli  their  principles  ore  to  bfe 
*^  tried;  or  as  the  judicial  expression  of  the  seisse  in  which  they  un- 
<«derstandthe  hoi}'  scriptures  in  the  relation  they  have  to  thedectrinC; 
'*the  warship,  and  government  of  the  Christian  church:,  and  that  it  i* 
*<  their  resolution  to  emit  occasional  Ustimanie^/m  particular  actr 
^  against  errors  and  delusions." 

The  Synod,  however,  having  been  frequently  imporliined  to  pubFish 
^testimony  of  a  different  kind,  renewed,  from  time  to  time,  their  dis- 
cussions on  this  ^oint;  and,  after  the  most  impartial  and  serious  delib- 
eration, find  it  their  duty  not  to  recede  from  the  above  resolution. 

For  the  satisfaction  of  such  as  have  not  had  access  to  know  th© 
grounds  of  this  decisfon.  same  of  them  are  subjoined. 

1.  In  her  excellent  confession  of  faith,  catechisms,  &c.  the  church 
is  already  possessed  of  a  testimony  so  scriptural,  concise,  comprehen- 
sive, and  perspicuous,  that  the  Synod  desjMir  of  seeing  it  materially 
improved,  aad  are  convinced  that  the  most  eligible  and  useful  method 
of  maintaining  the  truths  therein  exhibited,  is  occa,?/o7ia/A/ to  elucidate 
tUem,  and  direct  them  in  particular  acts,  against  particular -errors,  a» 
circumstances  requre. 

2.  There  was  drawn  up  and  published  by  a  committee  of  Synod* 
in  the  year  1787,  An  Ovtrlurefor  iUustrating  aivd  drfncfing  the  doc- 
trines of  the  Westminster  confession  of  faith.  And  in  May,  1 790,  Sy- 
nod unanimously  resolved,  that  said  overture  is,  **in  substance,  an  ex- 
''  cellent  and  instructive  illustration  and  application  of  these  truthff 
**  unto  the' present  state  of  the  church  of  Christ  in  America,  and  warm- 
''  ly  recommended  it  as  sueh,  Ui  all  the  peeple  under  their  inspection.'' 
Whatever,  then,  might  be  effected  on  a  general  scale,  by  any  similar 
pamphlet  in  the  form  of  a  judicial  testimony,  may  be  cflfected  by  that 
-overture.  And  to  emit  such  a  testimony  would  only  be  to  repeat  the 
same  laborious  and  expensive  work,  without  obtaining  any  proportion- 
al advantage, 

3.  Could  a  testiioj^ny  universally  acceptable  be  prepared,  it  wouM 
still  be  far  from  producing  those  beneficial  effcts  which  are  ^o  foRd!^=- 
'^xpected. 


S  ftrmtiAL  TEsTiiro?5riE3 

Tf  itwereto*(lo  tolerable  justice  to  the  prodigious  extent  of  the  corl* 
fession,  it  would  swell  into  an  immense  work,  of  which  the  very 
bulk  would  defeat  the  intention.  And  if  it  were  comprised  in  a  vol* 
ume  suited  to  the  leisure  of  an  ordinary  reader,  it  would  be  defective-, 
and  defective  perhaps,  on  those  very  points  on  which  the  occurrence?? 
of  a  few  month-^  might  require  it  to  be  particular  and  full. 

It  could  scarcely  give  a  correcter  view  of  the  principles  of  the  Sy- 
nod than  is  already  given  in  their  received  confession:  because  it  could 
.scarcely  hold  forth  any  truths  which  are  not  therein  held  forth;  or 
state  them,  upon  the  whole,  with  more  luminous  precision.  The  opin- 
ion that  such  a  testimony  is  needful  to  a  certain  the  Synod's  princi- 
ples, is  a  direct  impeachment  of  the  confession  itself;  since,  if  they 
fi.re  not  sufficiently  ascertained  by  this,  it  must  be  either  larrie  or  ambig- 
uous; and  then  the  church  demands,  not  a  separate  testimony,  but  an 
>imended  confession.  If  any  parts  of  ii  are  difierently  interpreted, 
and  abused  to  the  promotion  of  error,  these  ought  to  be  -explained  in 
detached  acts;  and  such  explanation  belongs  strictly  to  the  province  df 
occnslori'^l  teslimonics. 

It  could  not  deter  from  application  for  ministerial  or  Christian  com- 
munion v/ith  the  Synod,  any  who  are  not  really  friendly  to  the  doc- 
trinesof  grace.  Since  one  who  can  profess  an  aHa«hment  to  the  con- 
fession of  faith,  while  he  is  secretly  hostile  to  its  truths,  is  too  far  ad- 
vanced in  dishonesty  to  be  impeded  for  a  moment,  by  any  testimony 
which  the  wisdom  of  man  can  frame. 

It  could  not  silence  the  objections  and  cavils  of  such  as  incline  to  mi^^ 
Represent  the  principles  and  character  of  the  Synod;  since  it  is  impos- 
sible to  satisfy  with  any  thing,  those  who  are  determined  to  be  satisfied 
with  nothing.  The  very  uncandid  manner  in  which  the  Synod  hav6 
already  been  often  treated,  both  in  Britain  and  America,  leaves  little 
reason  to  hope  their  plainest  declarations  will  not  be  perverted,  and 
their  most  upright  intentions  misconstrued. 

It  could  not  lift  \x\j^ perpetual  banner  for  truth:  since,  from  the  ever 
fluctuating  state  of  religious  controversy,  and  the  impossibility  offore- 
Sieeing  the  different  shapes  which  error  may  assume,  some  parts  of  it 
would  gradually  grow  obsolete,  while  some  would  be  deficient;  and  th* 
ame  necessity  for  occaional  testimonies  would  still  remain.  In  the 
nature  of  tilings,  moacover,  it  would,  after  a  short  time,  at  most,  a 
few  years,  be  out  of  print  and  out  of  date,,  and  ceasing  to  interest  the 
^^ublic  curiostity,  would  utterly  fail  of  accomplishing  its  end.  There 
is  also  solid  reason  to  fear,  that  in  the  present  unhappy  contention? 
which  divide  the  church,  it  would  be  used  by  too  many  as  the  rallying 
v;cint  of  party,  and  would  infiaine  those  wounds  in  the  body  ©f  Christ, 
which  it  should  be  our  study  and  prayer  to  have  spt^dily  and  thorough- 
ly hs:ded.  '  ^  ^ 

VViiiie  these  and  similar  reasons  impel  the  Synod  to  decline  issuing 
S^ich  n.  t'islifnon^  as  hath  been  de^sired,  Ib^re  are  others  which  pcrsuadt 


SVhlClAL   TEsTIMONltS.  3 

tlicm  that  the  plan  on  which,  as  the  Lord  in  liis  providence  hath  callcfl 
them,  they  have  hitherto  acted;  and  on  which  ihcy  are  resolved  to  act 
in  fiitnre— the  plan  of  emitting  o<casioa(il  teslim'tnie'-^y  includes  all  the 
excellencies  of  that  which  they  reject;  is  free  from  its  embarrassments^ 
and  is  calculated  to  produce  real  and  permanent  good. 

As  witnesses  of  the  Most  High,  Christians  are  especially  hound  to 
avow  and  to  defend  those  truths  which  are  more  immediately  decried, 
and  to  oppose  tho«e  errors  which  immediately  prevail.  This  is  termed 
hy  the  Spirit  of  God,  bei;  g  ^^eslabl  shed  in  the  pbe-knt  truth. '^  II  is 
the  very  essence  of  a  judicious  testimony;  nor  is  there  any  way  in 
which  judicatories  can  so  well  maintain  it,  as  in  serious  and  ^:cripturJl 
occasonnl  SiCis.  Of  this  method  of  testifying  there  are  plain  land  nu- 
merous traces  in  the  holy  scriptures,  and  in  the  pious  jiractice  of  the 
primitive  church. 

Such  testimonies  have,  nrwreover,  sevcrrd  ndvantagcs. 

They  are  brief:  so  tliat  a  reader  of  ordiuar)  diPgenco  car,  in  a  very 
little  time,  make  himself  perfectly  master  of  their  coiUenti;:, 

They  nve  pointed:  and  by  singlin;^ont  the  error  which  is  doing/:rc5- 
ent  mischief,  they  give  more  effectual  warning  oi ]:resent  danger,  than 
•  ould  possibly  be  done  if  they  were  interspersed  through  a  large  and 
general  publication, 

Th?y  are  new:  and  for  this  very  reason  they  arrest  l-ic  attention  of 
men  more  than  if  they  were  diffused  through  an  older  and  more  ex- 
tended work,  however  excellent  They  nrjay  also  throw  fres!)  light  up- 
on received  truths,  and  mnke  a  deeper  improsMan  on  the  mifid,  than  if 
met  wi  J)  in  the  course  of  ordinary  reading. 

They  furwish  spe-inl  topics  fjr  religious  convcrsnt^n:  and  by  fixing 
t!ie  thoughts  of  pious  people  on  a  particular  subj'jct,  render  thcnj 
greatly  instrumental  in  edif»  ing  each  other. 

As  they  confine  the  attention  of  judicatories  vMvw  '\  r  mall  compass^ 
t'lereisabetterprospecloftheirbeingexFCUtodwithabililvaidsucccj-s. 

They  sprve  to  cement  the  affections  of  judicatories  and'tlieir  peopit- 
as  they  oblige  the  former  to  watch,  with,  peculiar  zeal,  over  thoii.ti  r- 
csts  of  the  latter;  and  ailord  the  latter  continual  and  endearinr  proofs 
of  the  fiith fulness  of  the  formr  r. 

They  -^r^  frequents  and  th-is  l>av(-  a  hnpov  tend.-nry  to  keep  al^vc 
the  spirit  of  ho.iest  testimony  for  Je,u*  Christ,  which  would  .^lumber 
inu-h  deeper,  and  mu-h  ljng<>r,  were  that  duty  sj^posed  to  be  dis- 
ch  irg-d  in  a  solitary  volume. 

^Thjy  ^vill  form,  o//cr/,V:/y,  a  more  complot?  and  useful  vindicalion 
o»  riith  than  could  be  expected,  if  the  dUrL-rent  branches  of  it  were  oil 
to  he  discussed  in  a  rontir  =  ucd  work. 

They  will  show  posterity  what  uere  the  truths  which,  in  a  peculi.ir 
ininncr,^thcir  futhcrs  were  honored  to  maintain, 

WM.   BALDRIDGE,  Moderator 
JOHN  MJIMSEY,  Clerk. 


3^  AMENDMENT   c9   Tfi^.   COXSTlflTriO^'. 

AN  ACT 

To  amend  the  Constitution  ofilie  dissociate  Reformed  Synod. 

Whereas  it  is  the  opinion  of  some  members  of  Synod,  and  of  a 
number  of  serious  people  in  communion  with  the  Sjnod  that  the  con- 
«titulion,  in  some  of  its  articles  is  too  general,  and  that  in  others  its 
meaning  is  rather  doubtful,  and  that  in  its  present  form  it  does  not  suit 
the  state  of  the  Church:  And  \\hereas,  it  is  the  duty  ofecclesiastical 
judicatories,  to  contribute  as  much  as  they  can  to  remove  the  jealousies 
and  quiet  the  fears  of  the  Lord's  people;  the  ministers  and  elders  jn 
Synod  assembled;  <3  >  express  their  views  of  the  leading  principles  frf  _^ jj 
the  constitution  in  ih    following  manner.  *  w^ 

1st.  That,  with  the  explanations  to  be  immediately  mentioned,  they 
Sincerely  receive  and  resolve  through  grac«  to  adhere  to  the  whole 
Doctrine  exbibited  in  the  Confession  of  Faith  and  larger  and  shorter 
Catechisms,  composed  by  the  assembly  of  divines  at  Westminster  in 
England,  as  agreeable  to,  and  founded  upon  the  word  of  God. 

The  26  chapter  of  said  confession  is  uf»derstood  by  them  as  opposed 
not  only  to  Bigofry  which  at  least  by  implication,  appropriates  to  a 
particular  denomination  of  Christians  the  character  and  privileges  of 
the  Catholic  Church,. but  also  to  the  scheme  of  communion  called  the 
l^atiludinarian,  which  unites  all  parties  of  professed  Christians  in  the 
fullest  communion  on  the  footing  only  of  those  general  principles,  that 
some  distinguish  by  the  name  of  Essentials^  a  scheme  which  they  con- 
demn as  subversive  of  the  design  of  this  and  every  other  slated  Con- 
fession of  Faith,  and  as  having  a  natural  tendency  to  promote  error, 
and  to  extinguish  Zt;al  for  many  important  truths  ii(  the  gospel,  and  cort- 
ti .quently,  that  they  do  not  consider  themselves  as  left  at  liberty  by 
this  part  of  the  confession,  to  hold  organical  communion  with  any  de- 
iioininalion  of  Ch-rislianc,  that  is  inconsistent  with  a  faithful  and  pointed 
itstimonrj  for"a,ny  revealed  truth  respecting  doctrine,  worship,  discip- 
line, and  church  govcrnmciU . 

Thev  receive  the  doclr-.ne  of  tlie  Confession  of  Faith  respecting  the 
|)Ov,'er  of  the  civil  magistrate  in  matters  of  religion  described  chapter 
20lh,  section  4rn;  chap.  26d,sect.  3d,  and  rhap.  31,  sect.  2dasreduce- 
able  to,  or  consistent  with  tlicse  general  principles,  viz:  that  magrs- 
tvates.  as  such,  in  a  country  professing  Christianity,  are  bound  to  ad- 
ninister  government  from"  Christian  principles,  and  to  promote  the 
Christian'r'-ligion,  as  their  own  mo^t  valuable  interest,  and  the  interest 
of  the  people  committed  to  their  care,  by  all  such  means,  as  do  not  im- 
ply an  infringement  of  the  inlicrcnt  rights  of  the  church  of  Christ,  or 
any  aFSumption  of  dominion  over  the  consciences  of  men;  that,  o«ly 
such  opinions  and  practices  arc  punishable  by  civil  government  as  have 
a  native  tendency  to  subvert  the  foundations  of  moral  governmet.t,and 
iniure  the  common  riglUs  of  men  in  a  slate  of  civil  society,  and  do  not 
permit  good  people  to  live  a  quiet  and  peaceable  Jifa  in  gll  godliness 


RELIGIONS    CONNEXION'S    01^  THE   SYKOp.  H 

.lui  honesty;  <ncl  that  all  other  sinful  opinions,  and  practices  should  be 
' 'ft  only  to  the  spiritual  censures  of  the  church,  and  the  righteous  judg- 
ment of  Cod . 

2.  That  they  also  receive  the  Directory  for  the  public  worship  of 
God,  composed  by  the  above  mentioned  assembly,  as  holdii  g  forth  such 
things  as  are  of  Divine  institution  in  every  ordinance  of  worship;  that 
Ihcy  resolve  to  observe  the  prudential  rules,  respecting  the  circumstan- 
ces of  pubJir.  worship,  therein  prescribed,  as  far  as  these  rules  are 
practicable  to  edification:  And  that  no  deviation  from  these  rules  shall 
be  countenanced  by  them,  till  the  necessity  or  propriety  thereof  shall 
have  been  considered  and  acknowledged  by  the  Synod.  And  tijey 
wish  that  this  declaration  be  considered,  as  their  general  testimony 
--vgainst  wanton  innovations  ia  the  circumstances  of  divine  worship,  and 
>against  every  kind  and  degree  of  superstition,  or  the  introd action  of 
aay  thing  into  the  frorship  of  God,  as  a  part  thereof,  by  the  authority 
of  men. 

3.  That  Ihey  receive  with  the  same  sincerity,  the  form  of  Presbyte- 
rian Church  Government,  and  ordination  of  ministers,  prepared  by  the 
aforesaid  assembly,  as,  in  substance,  the  only  form  instituted  by  Jesus 
Christ,  and  resolve  to  act  upon  that  form,  as  far  as  the  circumstances, 
in  which, at  any  time,  they  may  be  placed,  shall  permit. 

4.  That  they  consider  the  above  mentioned  Confession  of  Faith, 
Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms,  Directory  for  worship,  and  form  of 
Church  government,  as  received  by  this  ac^,  as  their  fixed  Testimony^ 
by  which  their  principles  are  to  be  tried,  or  as  the  judicial  expression 
of  the  sense  in  which  they  understand  the  Holy  Scriptures,  in  the  rela- 
lation  they  have  to  the  Doctrine,  the  worship  and  government  of  the 
Christian  Church,  and  it  is  their  resolution  to  emit  occassional  Testi- 
monies, in  particular  acts,  against  errors  and  delusions. 

tj.  That  the  terms  on  which  any  person  or  persons  shall  be  admitted 
as  a  member  or  members  of  the  Synod,  or  as  a  member  or  members  of 
any  congregation  under  the  inspection  of  Synod,  are,  an  approbation 
of  (he  principles  exhibited  in  the  afcove  mentioned  Confession  of 
Faith,  larger  and  shorter  catechisms,  directory  for  public  worship,  and 
"•  form  of  church  Kcverninent,  as  received  by  this  act;  an  holy  life  and 
conversation,  and  subjection  lo  the  order  and  disciiHine  of  the  church 
under  the  cnro  of  (bis  Synod. 

AN  ACT 
i'Dficcrnlnir  the  Religious  Coimexions  oj  the  Synod. 
THE  ministers  and  elder?,  in  3ynod  assembled,  declare  with  grati- 
tude, and  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  God,  that,  as  it  is  their  happiness, 
to  be  united  to  each  other  in  the  testimony  of  Jesus,  or  the  whole  doc- 
tnn?  of  th-  C'onfcssion  of  Faith  adopted  by  them,  so  they  consider  itaff 


1"2  HELfGIOUS  CONNEXIONS    CP    TH«    S^Kofe. 

their  dislincuished  privilege  to  stand  clear  of  the  local  disputes,  which 
have  divided  the  witnesses  for  saiid  testimony,  with  whom  the  united 
parfiesin  the  Synod  were  formerly  connected  in  Scotland:  and,  while 
thu-s  united  in  love  to  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesu?-,  and  io  each  other  for  the 
truth's  sake,  they  are  determined  that  the  differences  among  the  friends 
of  the  reformation  cause  in  Britain,  arising  from  different  views  mere- 
ly of  the  application  of  said  testimony  to  their  circuhistances  in  Britain^ 
shall  not  affect,  alienate,  or  divide  the  Synod,  in  the  application  of  said 
testimony  to  their  own  circumstances,  or  the  circumstances  of  the 
church  in  America^ 

They  desire  thankfu'iv  to  remember  the  magnanimous  suffetirgrs  for 
the  cause  of  truth,  by  which  their  pious  ancestors  in  Eritairj  wei^ ena- 
bled to  distinguish  themselves  in  the  two  last  centujics,  and  also  their 
zeal  for  that  cause,  as  expressed  in  the  different  testimoLics  for  il,  which 
they  emitted-;  and  in  a  particdlar  mTinncr  the  testimony  entitled,  .^ct 
Declaration,  arid  Teslimdny  of  the  *^ssociate  Presbytery  passed  a\ 
Perth  in  North  Britain  December  Sd,  1736,  and  an  act  of  said  presby- 
tery entitled,  an  act  concerning  the  Doctrine  of  Grace,  and  the  Act^ 
Declaration  and  Testimony  of  the  Reformed  Presbytery ,  so  far  as  these 
testimonies  contemplate  the  doctrine,  worship,  discipline  and  govern- 
ment of  the  Presbyterian  Churcl\,  and  do  npt  imply  any  derisions  res- 
pecting the  controversy  about  the  rivil  government  of  Britain  and  Ire- 
land, which  is  entirely  foreign  to  the  situation  of  the  church  in  Amer- 
ica: And  they  also  bless  God  for  the  national  covenant  of  Scotland,  and 
the  solemn  league  and  covenant  of  Scotland,  England  and  Ireland,  with 
respect  to  which,  ii  is  their  opinion^,  that  thege  covenants,  as  taking 
their  national  form  and  character  from  the  establiehed  connexion  1 1- 
'tween  the  church  and  state  in  Britain,  are  not  obligatory  upon  any  other 
nation;  but  that,  in  respect  of  the  religious  part  of  these  covenants,  in 
which  the  covenanters  soleinnly  avouched  the  Lord  to  be  their  Cod, 
hnd  the  God  of  their  seed,  and  witli  the  same  solemnity  surrendered 
themselves,  and  their  posterity  to  hinij  prom.ismg  and  swearing,  that 
they  would  walk  in  his  ways,  and  keep  his  commandments,  they  are 
obligatory  on  the  posterity  of  those  who  entered  into  them,  wherever 
scattered  over  the  world,  even  in  virtue  of  the  solemn  public  oath  of 
their  ancestors. 

They  love  the  church  of  Scotland  and  have  a  peculiar  regard  for 
their  brethren  in  Britain  who  have  borne  t(  stimony  against  its  defec- 
tions from  the  purity,  to  which  it  had  allMincd,  between  the  yeuvs  1638 
and  1649:  Thev  desire  to  cultivate  friendship  wiih  these  brethren,  and 
to  concur  with  them  in  every  laudable  endeavor  to  promote  true  and 
iindeliled  religion:  And  they  wish  posterity  may  know  that  once  t!  ey 
belonged  to  the  church  of  Scotland,  that  they  carried  wilh  them  info 
America  the  system  of  truth  adopted  by  that  church,  and  ll  e  substni  ce 
of  the  t^stimoQies  against  deviations  from  that  system,  ci  <J  that  IhojV 


.  I^pftTKD    AlGHTECMJ.SSESd.  1^ 

v^teort)  it  their  honor  and  their  duty  to  support  their  connexion  with 
those  brethrfi),  who  still  lahour  to  p^e^^^^vc  it  in  its  purity,  as  fnr  as 
Buch  support  ie  consistent  with  their  jiKlepcnd<*1ice  upon  any  toreig.n 
judicatory. 


AN  ACT 
^ontei^ning  the  Imputation  €tf  the  Bightecusness  of  Christ. 

♦WHEREAS,  it  has  been  reported  to  this  Synod,  that  Fomc  person* 
'^f  their  communion  eithei  deny  that  the  obedience  which  Christ  gavt 
to  the  precepts  oi  t^«e  divine  law,  is  not  a  part  of  that  righ  eousness,  by 
which  sinnr^rs  arc  justified  befare  God,  or  treat  tiie  imputation  of  it  te 
belierersa^  a  matter  of  doubtful  disputation;  and  that,  on  this  account^ 
much  iinoasiness  has  arisen  in  some  congregations;  and  whereas,  it  is 
the  indispensible  duty  of  ecclesiastical  judicatories  to  warn  all  under 
their  inspection  against  eVery  deviation  from  the  form  of  sound  words; 
The  ministers  and  elders  in  Synx)d  assembled  declare; 

That  the  Lord  Jesus,  not  only  sufl'ei  ed  the  penalty  of  the  divine  law, 
but  also  perfectly  obeyed  its  precepts  in  the  place  of  sinners;  that  his 
obedience  and  suffering  concur  to  constitute  that  righteousness,  on  the 
footing  of  which  sinners  are  justified  before  God;  and  consequently, 
that,  not  ouly  his  suffering,  but  also  his  obedience,  is  imputed  for  jus- 
tification. 

These  principles  have  been  solemnly  received  by  this  Synod,  as  Im- 
portant objects  of  Christian  faith,  in  the  confession  of  faith,  chap.  8,  sect. 
5,  chap.  11,  sect.  1,  and  in  the  larger  catechism  qu.  70,  where  it  is 
declared,  that  the  Lord  Jesiis^  by  his  pefct  obedience  and  sacrifice^ 
which  he,  flnou^h  the  eternal  Spirit,  omc  offered  up  unto  God,  hath  fully 
satisfied  the  JKSliee  of  his  Father; — That  those  whom  God  effectually 
talleth,  he  also  freely  just ificth — by  imputing  the  obedience  and  satis^ 
faction  of  Christ  unto  them; — and  that,  Christ  by  his  obedience  and 
death  did  make  a  proper,  real  and  full  satisfaction  to  God's  justice  in 
hehalf  of  them  that  are  justified. 

The  ground,  on  wh-ich  these  principles  have  been  received  by  the 
*Synod,  is  the  authority  of  God,  as  displayed  in  the  scriptures  of  truth, 
which  expressly  declare,  thatCluist  was  made  under  the  laio;  that  he 
is  the  Lord  our  righteousness;  that  our  righteousness  is  of  hirn;  that  m 
him  we  have  righteousness  and  strength ;  that  many  are  viacie  righteous  by 
his  obedience,  as  many  mere  made  sinners  by  the  disobedience  of  Adam ;  and 
that  though  he  knew  no  sin,  he  was  made  sin  for  us,  that  we  might  be  madt 
the  righteousness  of  God  in  liim.      That  the  import  of  these  texts  may  be 

♦This  and  the  fullowin?  act  are  publisheJ  m  pursuance  of  the  4th  article  of  the  Con- 
UttMion,  to  give  a  specimen  of  the  manner  in  which  the  Synod  intend  henccfortb  t^ 
Uiit  occasumal  testimonies  aga^pst  (hp>  errors  of  liie  tipief. 


14  IMPUTED    RIGHTEOUSNESS* 

better  understood.  It  is  necessaiy  to  observe,  that  righteousness,  in  scrip- 
ture, is  never  considered,  as  a  denomination  taken  from  mere  suffering 
that  the  phrase  tinder  the  law,  in  the  epistles  of  the  apostle  Paul,  al- 
^aj'S  imply  subjection  to  the  precepts  of  the  law.  Attending  to  these 
general  observations,  we  are  naturally  lead  to  these  inferences  from  ihe 
texts  now  mentioned,  Vi^:  that  Christ  as  a  surety,  was  made  under  ihe 
lazi>,  and  in  that  character  (ulfilled  it,  that  his  obedience  being  directly 
opposed  to  the  disobedience  of  Adam,  has  a  necessary  relation  to  the 
precepts  of  the  law;  that  the  imputation  of  his  righteousness  to  us,  be- 
iirt^  ttie  reverse  of  the  imputation  of  our  sins  to  him,  mwst  include  the 
imputation  f  f  what  is  commonly  called  his  active  obedience;  and,  conse- 
quently; that  he  is  the  Lord  our  righteousness,  not  only  as  ihe  propitia' 
Hon  or  sacrifice  for  our  sins,  but  as  the  great  bond  servant,  who  did  the 
will  of  the  Father,  as  expressed  in  the  law  which  he  had  within  his 
fiecrrf. 

To  prevent  ofr  remove  objections,  it  must  be  farther  observed,  that,, 
vxmatever  subjection  to  the  general  principles  of  moral  law  arises  from 
Christ's  assumption  of  our  nature^  he  could  not,  in  virtue  af  that  assump- 
tion- be  under  Siny  particularl'SiW,  because,  as  God  in  our  nature,  being 
an  extraordinary  person,  and  not  an  individual  belonging  to  any  kind 
of  persons,  no  law,  adapted  to  any  kind^  could  have  any  natural  relation 
to  Iiim;  that,  consequently?  his  subjection  to  thep«r^/ci(/or  law  given  to 
Lhe  human  kind;  did  not  arise  mer- ly  from  the  assumption  of  humaa 
nature,  but  from  an  act  of  his  own  sovereignly,  "by  which  he  substituted 
himself  in  the  place  of  sinners  oi'  the  human  kind;  that  his  great  end  in 
ass'imin^  our  nature,  was  not  to  procure  any  advantage  to  himself,  but 
!o  display  the  glory  of  the  divine  perfections,  to  secure  the  honor  of  the- 
[livine  law,  and  to  bring  in^  and  communicate  to  sinners,  believing  in 
his  name,  an  everlasting,  a  justifying  righteousness,  and  to  prepare  them 
for,  and,  in  due  time,  to  put  them  in  possession  of  eternal  glory;  and 
that,  when  out  pardon  and  salvation  are  ascribed  lO  his  death,  as  to  their 
procuring  cause,  his  death  is  not  to  be  considered  abstractly,  but  as  the 
[ermination  of  that  course  of  holy  obedience  which  the  divide  law 
required,  having  become  obedient  to  denth^  even  the  death  of  the  cross. 

As  the  imputation  of  Christ's  obedience  to  the  precepts  of  the  law, 
ippears  to  the  Synod  to  be  a  truth  of  the  gospel  of  great  importance, 
and  ext  nsive  influence;  they  earnestly  exhort  all  under  their  inspection 
:o  contend  earnestly  for  it;  and  Hiey  warn  them  a<iainst  the  contrary 
Joctrine,  as  a  departure  from  the  purity  of  the  profession  which  they 
lave  attained,  as  disturbing  the  order,  and  weakening  the  connexions  of 
Iruth  in  the  system  of  the  gospel,  as  depreciating  the  righteousness  of 
Christ,  by  detaching  irom  it  the  only  quality  which  makes  it  a  proper 
righteousn*  ss,  as  depriving  Christians  of  the  consolation  which  they 
inay  derive  from  the  obedience  of  Christ,  when  they  have  an  afflicting 
icnse  of  the  iniperfection  of  their  own  obedience,  as  very  offensive  tc 
ihe  church  of  God,  and  plainly  contra^Jictory  to  his  holy  ojacles;  And 


or  THE    COVENANT    OP    WCrRKS  1  -J 


\1ie  Synotl  djaiirc  all  tho  presbyteries  of  their  (Iciiomlnntion  (•.»rcfiilly  tu 
observe  published  opinions  contrary  to  the  doctrine  asserted  in  tl.is  act. 
and  to  call  the  publishers  thereof,  if  m  communion  with  the  §ynod  to  a 
speedy  account,  and  if,  after  using  gentle  means  to  recover  them  from 
their  error,  they  remain  obstmate.  to  inflict,  such  censures  upon  them, 
as  the  nature  of  the  case,  or  the  editication  of  the  church  shall  rerpiire 
and  they  also  direct,  that  this  act  be  registered  in  the  Presbytcrial 
books,  and  be  read  to  all  the  congregations  and  vacancies  where  any 
uneasiness  hath  arisen,  and  that  ministers  an<l  licenced  candidates  for 
the  ministry  guard  people,  as  often  as  they  find  it  necessary,  against 
disputes  about  the  distinction  between  the  active  and  passive  obedience 
of  Christ,  as  not  only  unnecessary,  but  perniciou;?. 


AN  ACT 

Qoncerning  the  Covenant  of  Works  in  therelahon  it  hath  to  unbelievcn* 

THE  ministers  and  elders  in  Synod  assembled,  finding,  that  therf 
are  some  doubts  respecting  the  aspect,  which  the  precepts  of  the  moral 
law,  as  stated  in  the  covenant  of  works,  hath  towards  unbelieversi, 
think  it  is  their  duty  to  declare,  as  hereby  they  do  declaic,  "what  they 
believe  to  be  the  mind  of  God,  concerning  this  subject. 

By  the  moral  law,  in  its  preceptive  part,  as  stated  in  the  covenant  of 
works,  and  in  the  relation  it  hath  to  unbelievers,  they  understand  the 
law  as  requiring  perfect  obedience,  on  pain  of  eternal  misery,  as  the 
ju3t  punishment  o( evtry  kind  and  degree  of  disobedience.  That  all 
uu'>elicvers  arc  under  the  obligation  of  its  precepts,  as  viewed  in  this 
light,  is  a  principle  held  by  the  Synod  on  the  following  ground?. 

1 .  All  unbelievers  are  actually  under  the  penalty  of  the  covenant  of 
works,  or  are  exposed  to  the  execution  of  its  threatening:  But  its  pen- 
alty could  not  have  any  relation  to  them,  and  cont^equently  could  not  be 
justly  inflicted  upon  them,  if  they  were  not  under  the  preceptive  part  o/ 
the  law,  as  stated  therein — a  consequence,  that  would  be  a  positive  con- 
tradiction to  the  word  of  God,  which  declares,  that  he  tv ho  believtUinot 
shall  he  damned.,  and  that  the  xcralh  of  God  ahidclh  on  him, 

2.  The  obligation  of  the  pre(  epts  of  the  law,  being  universal  and 
indispensible,  lies  upon  believers  and  unbelievers  in  a  manner  that  is 
suited  to  their  respective  state  and  character.  Unbelievers,  there- 
fore, not  beins:  intrMcstrd  in  the  righteousness  of  Christ,  by  which  he 
satisfied  all  I  he  demands  of  t  lie  law,  in  iia  federal  form^  must  be  under  the 
obligation  of  its  precepts,  as  connected  with  the  threatening  of  eternal 
death,  to  which  they  make  themselves  liable  by  every  transgression, 

3.  Deliverance  from  the  moral  law  in  the  connexions  which  it  hath, 
in  the  covenant  of  works,  is  a  privilr'go  peculiar  to  believers.  This  is 
cvidenily  declare'!  by  the  apostle  Paul  in  these  wnrdg,  lohey^cfon  viu 


16  0/  THE    tORD*S    SUPfE^c 

brethren  ye  also  are  become  dead  to  the  lavs — Biit  now  toe  arc  detit)^f&^ 
from  the  law — I  through  the  law  am  dead  to  the  larv.  Believers  are  un-* 
der  (he  obligation  of  the  precepts  of  the  law,  as  a  rule  of  life  placed 
under  new  connexions  in  the  covenant  of  grace;  but  (hey  are  totally 
delivered  fronn  the  obligation  of  ifs  precepts,  in  \is  federal Jbr7n,  or  as 
requiring  perfect  obedience,  on  pain  of  eternal  miserj.  This  delive- 
rance, being  peculiar  to  believers,  all  unbelievers  are  under  (h^  obli- 
gation cf  the  precepts  of  the  law  in  that  form,  or  as  stated  in  (he  cove. 
Tiant  of  workso 

The  Sjriod,  impressed  with  the  importance  of  this  doctrine,  cafnest'-^ 
)y  exhort  all  under  their  inspection  to  adhere  to  (he  profession  of  it,  and 
warn  them  against  (he  contrary  doctrine,  viz:  that  unbelievers  are  on^y 
under,  what  is  called,  the  commanding  power  of  the  moral  law  as  a 
turtle  oflfc,  and  not  under  it,  a&  staled  in  the  covenant  of  works,  as  % 
doctrine,  which  amounts  to  a  total  abolition  of  the  covenant  of  works, 
•which  brings  reproach  on  the  righteousness  of  Christ,  as  not  implying 
the  fulElment  of  the  precepts  of  (he  law  in  the  place  of  sinners,  which 
encourages,  in  unbelievers  a  presumptuous,  hope  of  impunity,  and|^ 
consequently,  which  i&  destructive  to  (he  souls  of  men. 

On  motion  unanimously  resolved^  that  the  overture  presented  to  ihtt 
Synod  by  tlie  commit(e.e  appoint<»d  to  prepare  an  overture  for  the  pur-r 
pose,  illustrating  the  truths  exhibited  in  the  confession  of  faith,  is  in 
rubstance  an  excelletvt  and  instructive  illustration  and  .'vPP^Jtation  of 
these  truths  unto  the  present  state  of  the  church  of  Christ  in  America, 
«nd  the  Synod  warmly  reeommend  it  as  such  to  all  (he  people  under- 
their  inspection. 

ALE^'ANDRR  DOBBUN,  Moderator, 

Mtcstcd,  JOHN   DUiSLAP.  Syn.  Clerk  pro  temp^^ 


AC  T 

Coneerning  thefeegiieni  Administration  cf  the  Lords  Sitppcr.^ 

WIir.REAS  the  sacrament  of  the  Holy  Supper  was  instituted  b^ 
iiie  Lord  Jesus,  to  bo  a  special  and  permanent  memorial  of  his  redeem* 
ing  love;  as  we  nre  taught  in  Luke  22d,  19;  1  Cor.  1  Ith,  26th,  the 
ministers  and  elders,  in  Synod  assembled,  earnestly  recommend  the 
frequent  administraticn  of  it. 

As  the  circumstances  of  d/fferent  congregations  arc  very  different, 
their  rc?pective  ministers  and  sessions,  who  are  bes(  acqnai».trd  ihere- 
witli,  are  competent  to  determine  how  often  the  ?acramert  ol  thq 
su|>j)tr  may  be  admi-iisterrd  consistently  witli  g^cneral  edification;  but 
it  is  (he  opinion  of  the  Syt>od,  that,  in  an  ordinar)  state  of  things,  ^ 
unay,  and  should  be  administered  at  least  twice  in  a  year,  which  tb^ 


rji  riJAL4for>l».  17 

t  iiav^e  of  evrry  fixed  minister:  nntl  fnur  times  a  ycnr,  or  oflcncr,  in 
•oni^rcfijations  where  the  mlMialtT  ami  scfi*<io!i  shall  drom  it  i.e(«'s-iai  v 
ukI  ex[)c<ruMit:  in  wlii'.-l'  <--•-'-     l-i  the  (liiocforM-  for  puMic-  u<»r<|,ip  h^ 

Mrefully  observed. 


A  C  T 
Concertung-  Psabnac/i/. 

Tlir.  ministcM-s  and  cidrrs  in  Synod  :!s«embIod,  having  sciioris!}'  cc\^ 
idorod  that  !chg;iou-!  singing,  ok  uttering  tiie  praises  ot'  God  wiili^. 
iiusical  air,  is  entirely  !»sglccted  hy  some,  and  ftinch  depraved  hy  oth 
IS,  esteem  it  Ihcir  duly  to  declare,  and  by  this  act  they  do.doclare, 
.hat  they  think  is  truth  and  duty  respecting  that  exercise. 

Devotional  singin^j  is  an  important  branch  of  moral  worship.     It  \va- 
practised,  with  divine  approbation,  before  t!ie  Sinaitic  covenant  oxi?! 
ed,  Ex.  15;  it  was  a  common  service  under  the  Old  Testament  d:>^|)Ln 
sation;  and  even  then,  was  pref<M'red  to  the   most  solemn  ecrcnioiiies 
considered  as  exterii,al  services;  r*sdlm,  GOtli,  3v3,  31:    'J'he  ol)seiva!ice 
of  it  under  the  New  Testament  dispensation,  is  foretold  in  anr  ient  pro- 
pnccy,  Psalm  6Gth,  1,  2.      Isa.  55ih,  1:   It  is  represented  as  a  priiici- 
|.^l  part  of  the  worship  of  the  churcli  militant  and  triumphant,  Isa 
35th,  10,  Rev.  5th,  9,  14,  3.   15th,  3:   It  is  supported  by  th^-  exanvp!^^ 
of  Christ  and  his  Apostles,  M  ittliev  23th,  33;  and  it  is  expressly  com- 
manded, Eph.  5th,  1!),  Col.  3d,  16.  Ileb.  I3t!^  14,.15.     James  5th,  !3. 

It  is  the  will  (jf  God  that  tiie  sacred  soags  of  scripteire  be  used  in  his 
worsh'p  to  the  end  of  the  wor^d  .  Tnesc  songs  should  not  only  be  read, 
like  ot'ier  parts  of  s.-rij)ture,  as  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  (ur 
fc^orrt^ction,  and  for  instruction  in  ri^'iteousness;  but  being  adapted  to 
music  hy  the  spirit  of  inspiration,  they  shoul.l  be  siinj:^  U\  cc]e!>ralini-- 
the  praises  of  God;  and  the  rich  variety  and  perfect  p'.jrity  of  the4r  m:i' 
ter,  the  blessing  of  God  upon  them  in  every  a^e,  aii  llic  ediri(^a'i;)n  o 
tl\c  church  thence  arising,  set  the  piopr;ct\  oi'slnijirg  Idem  'iri  a  con- 
vincing liglit. 

The  substitutionofdevr^lional  son?; i'l  composed  by  uninspired  men,  \n 
the  place  of  tiuiso  sacred  son^^js,  is  therefore  a  corruption  of  ihe  worship 
of  God;  and  it  becomes  a  corruption  peculi  irly  oilenslvc,  w-hen  it  is 
established  upon  this  principle,  that  5cm\}o  of  the  songs  of  scnpiure-are 
eiru^ionsof  a  vindictive  t'lnper, and  tli.it  f^enerally  they  cannot  hesunu; 
with  propriety  under  thr^  X.r.v  Teslamjiit  disp.ensation:  a  princip]  ' 
vhich,  in  the  opinion  of  Synod,  impliciliy  exclude^  these  son^s  from  .^ 
\>'..icc  ill  the  ruU  orC!i.risJfi,^n  f^it'i  and  pr-.Ti.(iee;  ami  has  a  tendency  to 
excite  prejudices  ai;;iin?t  fliem,  and  agdinU  the  character  of  the  holv 
.  i-n  of  (7Qd  w!io  wrote  tji.^Ti-:  aud  coni%cp.iently  to  shake  oyr  faith  i:!  t!i 


These  song«  slioiild  be  sung  not  barely  with  the  same  iVamc  of  spirit 
■with  which  they  should  be  read  ;  hut  with  such  an  elevation  of  soul  j^!?is 
suited  to  praise,  as  a  distinct  ordinar.cc:  rnid  in  singiig  those  part?  of 
theai  which  are  expressed  in  ceremonial  style,  or  describe  the  circuir.- 
stances  of  the  writers,  or  of  the  church  in  ancient  times,  we  should  have 
our  eye  upon  the  generaj  principles  which  are  implied  in  them,  and 
-which  may  be  applied  to  individuals,  or  the  cl  urch  in  every  age. 

Whereas  the  poetical  version  of  the  Psalms,  commonly  called  the 
Psalms  of  David,  which  hitherto  has  been  used  am.oi  sjst  us,  is  a  safe 
translation  of  these  Psalms,  and  has  been  very  instrumental  in  promot- 
ing sincere  and  un;  ffec  Led  devotion:  it  shall  be  retained  in  the  congre- 
gations under  the  i(iSpection  of  this  Synod,  till  another  version  equally 
S'lfr;  and  acceptable  and  more  adapted  to  the  improved  state  of  the 
English  language,  shall  be  prepared. 

No  tuj.es  shall  be  sung  in  our  worshipping  assembllrs,  but  such  as 
are  grave  and  simple:  and  no  new  tune  shall  be  initroduced  into  any 
congregation  in  communion  with  this  Synod-,  without  the  knowledge 
and  consent  of  the  church  officers,  ner  even  then,  unless  it  shaM  be  ev- 
ident; that  the  introduction  of  such  tares,  would  be  acceptable  to  the 
conejregation,  and  promote  its  real  edification. 

No  chortis  of  singers,  nor  singing  by  partb*  shall  be  introduced  inio 
any  of  our  worslirppiiig  assemblies,  because  it  is  the  duty  of  the  whole 
von^regi^tion  to  praise  God  with  united  hearts  and  voices. 

A^  the  use  of  musical  instruments  in  public  wors4iip,  has  no  sanction 
in  the  New  Testament,  nor  in  the  practice  of  the  Christian  church,  foF 
several  hundred  years  aft<  r  its  erection,  it  shall  not  b-^  introduced,  ui>- 
<derany  form.irito  any  congrc{:!aiion  under  the  inspection  of  the  S>nod. 
■  No  practice  siiaii  be  p<^rm.itt^d  that  is  ii^consistent  with  the  letter  or 
-evident  intention  of  the  directory  for  public  wo i ship  on  the  head  of 
singlns,  Fsaliiia- 

The  rnins'c  r^  ?And  elders  in  Syr^od  assembled,  far<bcr  declare,  that  as 
ti:jc  rtbove  n'.entlo?;ed  principles  have  been  always  received  among  them;- 
i\v)(\  that  as  an  appcoha(ion  of  th.en>,  h,^s  been  alwayy:onsidered  as  im- 
4)iied  ill  tb.e  vows  which  m.inisters  and  other  ehurcn  officers  cf>me  nn- 
<jer  at  llieir  ordination,  a?  d  \'vhich  parents  come  under  at  the  Baptism 
of  their  childtoi!,  all  min'strrs  and  corgregations  who  shall  rot  cor- 
iorm  tlieir  priiclice  to  this  act,  shal  be  corisidered  as  corrupting  the 
bimplictyand  pnnfy  of  the  public  worship  of  God.  and  liable,  as  such, 
to  the  cc.  stijc  cf  tfie  (  hurch.        Pxtracted  frotii  the  Mirutcs, 

ROBERT  ANNAN.  Mochratar-. 
.      STEWART  CUMMIN,  %n.  Clk. 

*  This  is  not  intrntlcd  to  prohibit  uhrit  is  tonne-.l.  s;iu;i»'ir  Iho  parts;  (i.  e.)  Treble, 
CounUT,  Tenor,  I.^nss:  but  is  dlrocUy  Icvpl'ttl  ^^ixm^i^aUcrnfitc  sin^'ing;  ^and  njrninst 
fill  that  1- ind  of  siT)c;inG:  in  which  one  or  more  of  the  ^nrts  slop  whijc  the  rest  prorcod  ; 
■vvherj,  of  coiir-^e,  n  part  of  flio  coiiirrrgaHon  renin jngsHiMit.  In  a  Avord,  the  clauf^e  is 
dcsi'^ncd  to  forl-ifi  tho  introduction,  or  use  bo  Ui  of  those  tuncs  which  arccalled^w^i'fiwj 
tilers ;  ar.'i  al»  x>f  Jill  r^jicntbij^  tunes. . 


tfy  VSALMOftV.  .4^ 

ABVERTXSEIMCCirT. 

THE  following  appendix  is  not  to  be  coosiclered  as  bearing  the 
stamp  of  the  judicial  authority  of  the  Associate-Reformed  Syftod;  but 
js  j)ubll-shed  in  compliance  with  th»  wishes  of  a  numbf  r  of  their  body, 
as  an  illustration  of  several  of  the  principles  exhibited  in  the  ''act  con- 
cerning Psalmody."  The  preface  o;'Dr.  Ilorne,  undoubtedly  throws 
great  light  upon  the  Psalms  of  the  scripture;  and  sliews  that  they  con- 
tain more,  much  more  of  the  gospel  than  many  are  willing  to  allow. 
By  not  a  few  of  the  serious  and  judicious  it  is  deemed  an  excellent  de- 
fence of  those  divine  composures  which  are  too  often  treated  with  in- 
difference^ if  not  with  disrespect.  Jf  any  judge  the  evangelical  light  in 
which  the  Doctor  contemplates  them,  far  fetched,  and  strained;  it  may 
not  be  amiss  for  them  to  enquire  whether  this  opinion  be  not  occasioned 
less  by  the  mystic  fancy  of  the  pious  writer,  than  by  their  own  want  of 
spiritual-mindcdness.  Nothing  remains  to  be  added,  but  that  so  much 
Only  of  the  Doctor's  preface  is  retained  in  the  appendix  as  comports 
with  its  desi^'n:  and  since  it  is  not  intended  to  be  a  mere  quotation ;  some, 
words  and  sentences,  particularly  such  as  refer  to  subjects  foreign  tQ 
the  act  of  the  Synod,  have  been  freely  altered. 

• 

THE  Psalms  are  an  epitome  of  the  Bible,  adapted  to  the  purposes  01 
devotion.  They  treat  occasionally  of  the  creation  and  formation  of 
the  world;  the  di>:pensations  of  })rovi(icnce,  and  the  economy  of  grace; 
the  transactions  of  tiic  patriarchs;  the  exodus  of  the  cliildren  of  Israel; 
their  journey  through  tlie  vvildcrncss,  and  scttlemcnL  in  Canaan;  their 
law,  priesthood,  and  ritual;  the  exploits  of  their  great  men,  wrought 
through  faith;  their  sins  and  captivities;  their  repentances  and  restora- 
tions; the  sufferings  and  victories  of  David;  the  peaceful  and  happy 
rei^n  of  Solomon;  the  advent  of  Messiah,  with  its  elVects  and  conse- 
quences; his  incarnRtio«;  birth,  life,  passion,  death,  resurrection,  as- 
cension, kingdoTi  anrl  priesthood;  the  effusion  of  the  Spirit;  the  con- 
version of  the  nations-  the  rejection  of  the  Jews;  the  establishment,  in- 
crease, and  i)crpetuit,y  of  the  Christian  church:  the  end  of  the  world; 
the  general  judgment;  the  condemnation  of  the  wicked;  and  the'  final 
triumph  of  the  righteous  with  their  Lord  and  King.  These  are  the 
subjects  hero  presented  to  om  meditations.  We  are  instructed  how  to 
conceive  of  them  aright,  and  to  express  the  different  affections,  which, 
^hen  f<o  cop.cQivcd  o^  Uicy  myst  excite  in  oujr  mi^ids.     They  are,  foV 


^^  OF   PSALxMdDt, 

Ihi''  purpose,  adorned  witli  Ihe  figures,  and  set  off  with  all  the  graces  of 
po*  Tv;  and  por  try  itself  isdesign  d  yet  farther  to  be  recommended  by  the 
ch:ir^ rs  of  music,  thus  consecrated  to  the  service  of  God ;  that  so  delight 
mny  preporpthe  way  for  improvement,  and  pleasure  become  the  hand- 
Ki.-id  of  vvisdtjin,   w^hile  every  turbulent  passion  is  calmed  by  sacred 
m<^lody,  and  the  evil  -pirit  is  still  dispo.ssessed  by  the  Harp  of  .the  Son 
of  Jesse.     Th's  little  volume,  like  the  paradise  of  Eden,  affords  us  in 
^p'-rfection,  though  in  miniature    every  tbin^-  that  growcth  elsewhere, 
^'every  tree  that  is  pleasant  to  the  sight,  and'good  for  food:'  and  above 
all.  what  was  there  lost,   but  is  here  restored,  t/ie  tree  of  life  iii  the 
97iid>rt  of  the  Garden       That  which  we  read,  as  ixatter  of  speculation, 
i'l  tlie  other  srriptures,i^educed  to  practice,  when  we  recite  it  in  the 
P.salnis;  in  those,  repe^Sice  and  faith  are  described,  but  in  the^e  they 
ar'^  fi'f^d;  by  a  perusal  of  the  former,  we  learn  how  others  served  God, 
but,  by  usir.ff  the  latter,  we  serve  him  ourselves.      *'\Vhat  is  there  ne- 
cessary for  man  to  know,''  says  the  pious  and  judicious  H^^oker,  "which 
'^the  Psalms  are  not  able  to  leach?  They  are  to  beginners  an  easy  and 
^'familiar  introduction;  a  mighty  augmentation  of  all  virtue  and  know- 
*^Med   e  in  such  as  are  entered  before;  a  strong  confirmation  t^the  most 
'^perfect  among  others.       Heroical  magnanimity,   exquisite   justice, 
^^grive  moderation,  ex<ict  wisdom,  repentance  unfeigned,   unwearied 
**nr,t'ence,  the  mysteries  of  God,  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  the  terrors 
••'^of  W7'ath,  the  comforis  of  grace,  the  works  of  providence  over  this 
^^  wor'],  and  the  promised  joys  of  that  world  which  is  to  come,  all  good 
*^  necessarily  to  be  either  known  or  done,  or  had,  this  one  celestial 
^^^ountiiin  yieldeth.     J^et  there  be  any  grief  or  disease  incident  unto 
^^tlip  soul  of  man,  any  wound  or  sickness  named,   for  ivhich  there  is 
'*not,  in  thi?  t/easure-house,  a  present  comfortable  remedy  at  all  times 
f' ready  to  be  found."     In  the  language  of  this  divine  book,  therefore, 
;ho  pravers  and  praises  of  the  church  have   been  offered  up  to  the 
b^one  of  grapo,   from  ajje  to  age.     And   it  appears  to  have  been  the 
^fMUial  r>f  the  '^on  of  God,  in  the  days  of  his  flesh;  who,  at  the  conclu- 
rnn    o^  h'S  last  sn]:)rcr,   is  generally  sup])osed,   and  that  upon    good 
rronnds,  to  h;>ye  sunir  an  hymn  taken  from  it;  who  pronounced  on  the. 
'ross.  the  beginning  of  tbexxii  Psalm:  ''M}^God,  My  God,  why  hast 
;boM  forsaken  jne?"   And  expired,  with  a  part  of  the  xxxi- Psalm  in  his^ 
nontb:    *Tn1o  thy  hands  I  commetid  my  spirit."     Thus  He,  who  had 
int  tho  sniril  bv  measure,  in   whom  were  hiddrii  all  the  treasures  of 
visdom  and  know1edn:e,  and  who  spaVe  as  never  man  spake,  yet  chose 
o  conclude  his  life,  to  solace  himself  in  his  greatest  agony,  and  at  last 
o  breathe  out  his  soul,  in  the  Psalmist's  form  of  words,  rather  than  his 
»wn.      No  tongue  of  manor  angel,  as  Dr.  Hammond  justly  observes,  car. 
;onvcyan  higher  idea  of  any  book,  and  of  their  felicity  who  use  it  aright. 
Proportionable  to  the  excellency  of  tlve  Psalms,  hath  been  the  luini- 
»ero^  t   eir  expositors.      The  ancients  were  chiefly  taken  up  in  making 
piritual  or  evangelical  applications  of  them;  in  adapting  their  discourse*^ 


ciii  iiicin  TO  Uni  ^  (  iTiat  c\:i:.ri;v  its  of  tlic  Christian  c'mrcli,  or  to  the 
pMitifiilar  neccssiiii'S  of  the  ajjje  in  whicli  they  wrotf.  The  modern* 
have  set  themselves  to  investijrate  with  diligence,  and  ascertain  uitU 
accurney,  their  literal  scope  a\u\  mcaninjT.  'I'hc  emiuiries  of  many  who 
have  devoted  themseUxs  to  this  lahor  of  love,  evince  a  strength  of 
gt-nius,  and  a  depth  of  erudition,  which  den\and  tiie  admiration  and 
gratitude  of  all  the  friends  of  s:ici*ed  truth.  But  let  us  also  hear  m  mind, 
that  all  is  iu>i  done,  w  hen  this  is  done.  A  work  of  the  utmost  impor- 
incc  stiHrema.ns,  which  it  is  the  business  of  Theology  to  undertake 
and  execute:  since,  with  respect  to  the  Old  Testament,  and  th^ 
Psalter  more  especially,  a  person  may  attain  a  critical  and  grammaticnl 
knowkiige  of  them,  and  yet  continue  a  Jew,  wjAa  veil  upon  liis  heart; 
un  utter  stranger  to  tliat  sense  of  tlie  holy  hook5^'fl<^"^ly  intended,  iu 
S'u^h  a  variety  of  instances,  to  hear  testimony  to  the  Saviour  of  tho 
world;  that  sense,  which  is  style  i  by  divines,  the jirophchca!,  evangeii- 
CdU  ifi'/.-fi'fil.,  or  ^piritnoi  sense. 

That  the  ??piritual  interpretation  of  tiie  scripture,  like  all  other  u'ood 
Ihinfts,  is  liable  to  abuse,  and  that  it  hath  been  actually  abused,  both  in 
ancient  and  modern  days,  cannot  be  denied.  He  who  shall  go  about  to 
ai)ply,  in  this  way,  any  passage,  before  he  hath  fit  liped  its  literal  meau- 
ing,  may  say  what  in  itself  is  ]:ious  and  tnie,  but  foreign  to  the  text  froni 
which  he  endeavoured  to  deiiuce  it.  Jerom,  it  is  well  known,  when 
grown  older  and  wiser,  lamented,  that,  in  the  fervors  of  a  youthful 
fancy,  he  hod  spiritualized  the  prophecy  of  Obadiah,  before  he  under- 
stood it.  An<lit  must  be  allowed,  that  aduc  attention  to  the  occasion  and 
scope  of  the  Psalms  would  have  pared  off  many  unseemly  excrescences^ 
"^hich  now  deform  the  commentaries  of  Augustin,  and  other  Fathers, 
upon  them,  liut,  these  and  other  concessions  of  the  same  kind  being 
made,  as  they  are  made  very  freely,  "men  of  sense  will  consider,  that  a 
*<  principle  is  not  therefore  to  be  rejected,  because  it  has  Ireen  abused :'■* 
since  human  errors  can  never  invalidate  the  truth  of  God. 

it  may  noi  be  amias,  llurefore,  to  run  through  tlie  Ps^alter,  at^d  poinf 
out  some  of  the  more  rtjmark.ible  passages,  which  are  cited  from  thence 
by  our  Lord  aiid  his  apostle*;,  and  applied  to  matters  evangelical. 

No  sooner  have  we  opened  the  b«ok,  hut  the  second  Psalm  presenl- 
eth  itself  to  all  appeaiance,  as  an  inauguration-hymn,  composed  by 
David^  tli£  anointed  of  Jehovah,  when  by  him  crowned  with  victory, 
and  placed  triumphant  on  the  sacred  hill  of  Zion.  But  let  us  turn  to 
Acts,  iv.  25,  and  there  we  find  the  apostles,  uith  one  vorce,  declaring 
the  Psalm  to  be  descriptive  of  the  exaltation  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  of 
ihe  opposition  raised  against  hi?  gospel,  both  b}  Jew  and  Gentile. 

In  the  eighth  Psalm  we  imagine  llie  writer  to  be  setting  forth  ihe. 
pre  eminence  of  man  in  general,  above  the  rest  of  the  creation;  but 
by  Ileb.  ii.  C,  wc  are  informed,  that  the  supremacy  conferred  on  th« 
second  Ail.im,  tho  Christ  Jrsu?,  over  all  things  in  heaven  and  earth,  j* 
^''^  subject  there  tr^fit^^^  of. 


S2  ^y    PSALMODY. 

Petersfands  ap,  Acts  il.  25,  and  preaches  the  resurrection  rf  Jesaf 
trom  the  latter  part  of  the  sixteenth  Psalnr);  and,  lo,  three  thousand 
souls  are  converted  by  the  sernnon. 

Of  the  eighteenUi  Psahn  we  are  told,  in  the  course  of  the  sacred 
^istorj^  2  Sam.  xxii.  that  "David  spake  before  tne  Lord  the  words  of 
that  song^  in  the  day  that  the  Lord  dehvered  him  oiit  of  the  hand  ofyll 
his  eaemies,.and  out  of  the  hand  of  Saul.  Yet  in  Ram.  xv.  9,  ive  bUih 
terse  of  that  Psahn  is  addtsced  as  a  proof,  that  'Hhe  Gentiles  sl;ouid 
i;lorify  God  for  his  mercy  in  iesus  Chrisl,  as  it  is  w  ritten,  For  this 
cause  will  1  confe&s  to  tli^e  among  the  Gentiles,  and  sing  unto  thy 
aame." 

in  the  nineteenth  Psaltn,  David  seems  to  be  speaking  of  the  mnte* 
rial  heavens  and  their^operations  only,  when  he  8a>««,  ^'"heir  soui  d  is 
^oae  out  into  all  the  earth,  and  their  words  unto  the  end^  oi  the  worlri.'l 
ButPiiu!,  Rom.x.  '8,  quotes  the  passage  to  shew,  that  the  Gospel  had 
Been  universally  published  by  the  apostles. 

The  twenty  second  Psalm  Christ  appropriated  to  himself,  by  f)Ci^ln- 
BJing  it  in  the  midst  of  his  suffering  on  the  cross;  *^M}^^  God,  rn\  Go(\^ 
&:c.  Three  other  verses  of  it  are,  in  the  New  Testament,  applied  to 
Tiim;  and  the  words  of  the  8th  verse  were  actualK  n<ed  by  the  cl-.ef 
|DriestSj  when  thiey  reviled  him;  ''He  trusted  in  God,"  6tc.  Mat.  xx\ii. 

When  David  saith,  in  the  fortieth  P^alm,  "Sacrifice  and  offering  thott 
didst  not  desire — Lc  I  come  to  do  thy  will:"  we  might  suppose  liim 
only  to  declare,  in  bis  own  person,  that  obedience  is  better  titan  sacri- 
fice. But  from  Heb.  x.  5,  we  learn,  that  Messiah, in  that  place,  spt-akr 
eth  of  his  advent  in  the  flesh,  to  abolish  the  legal  sacritices,  and  to  do 
away  sin,  by  the  oblation  of  himself  once  for  all. 

That  tender  and  pathetic  complaint,  in  the  forty  first  Psalm, ''mine 
©wn  familiar  friend  in  whom  I  trusted,  which  did  eat  of  my  bre^^d,  bath 
lift  up  his  heel  against  me,"  undoubtedly  might  be,  and  probably 
•was,opiginal}y  itttered  by  David,  upon  the  revolt  of  his  old  friend  and 
counsellor,  Ahitliophel,  to  the  party  of  his  rebellious  son  Absalom. — 
But' we  are  certain,  from  John  xiii.  18,  that  this  scripture  was  fulfilled 
when  Christ  was  betrayed  by  his  apostate  disciple — 'M  speak  not  of 
jou  all;  I  know  whom  I  have  chosen;  but  that  the  scriptures  may  be 
fulfilled, '*He  that  eateth  bread  with  me,  hath  h ft  up  his  heel  against 
me." 

The  forty  fourth  Psalno  we  must  suppose  to  have  been  written  on 
«?)Crasion  of  a  persecution,  under  which  the  church  at  that  time  labor* 
pd;  but  a  verse  of  it  is  cited,  Rom.  viii.  36,  ns  expressive  of  what  Chris- 
*/ians  were  tosutfer, on  their  blessed  Master's  account;  as  it  is  written, 
«for  thy  sake  are  wo  killfsd  all  the  day  long;  we  are  accounted  as  shc^p 
ffppmnted  to  b»  ^hdin!" 


or    liSALiiOUY 


^ 


A  quolcition  from  the  forty  fifth  Psalm,  in  Ileb.  i.  I,  tt-iiiues  u^,  j..*: 
the  wholp  IS  addnssed  to  the  Sou  of  God,  and  therefore  celebrates  In. 
flpiritiral  \iuion  willi  the  church,  and  the  happy  fruits  of  it. 

Th<?  sixty-eij^hth  Psalm,  though  apparently  conversant  about  Isr.v 
elitish  victories,  the  trani^lation  of  the  ark  to  Zfc5n,  and  the  services  of 
the  tabcriiacle,  yet  docs  under  those  tigures,  treat  of  Christ's  res<nr 
rcctian,  his  going  upon  hiyih,  leading  captivity  captive,  pouring  out 
the  gifts  of  the  Spirit,  erecting  his  chupch  in  tlie  world,  and  enlarging 
it  by  the  accession  of  the.  nations  to  the  faith;  as  wiH  be  evident  to  anj 
one  who  ro'isiders  the  force  and  consqucnce'of  the  apostle's  citatioa 
from  if,  E,>ti  iv,  7,  8,  **Unto  every  one  of  us  is  g!v?i>  gjrace,  ac(;ordi"g 
to  the  m'^a^urc  of  ttie  gift  of  Ci)ri?t.  Wherefore  he  saith,  When  he 
ascended  up  on  high,  lie  led  captivity  captive,  and  gave  gifis  unfo  nnen./' 

The  sixl  r-  'ihth  Ps^alm  is  live  limes  ref' rred  to  in  the  g'>s}>€l!?,  as  be- 
ing utton-d,  by  the  Prophet  in  the  person  of  Mes^siah.  The  in[i|)reca' 
tions  or  ratlier  prodi'-tions,  at  the  latter  end  of  it,  are  applied,  Rom. 
xi,  9.  10^  o  the  Jews;  and  to  Judas;  Acts  i,  20,  where  the  hufidred 
and  nint!)  Psalm  is  ais)  cited,  as  prophetical  of  the  sore  judgments 
which^liould  befal  that  arch  traitor,  and  thje  wretched  nation  of  which 
lie  w  IS  an  epitome. 

**\Iatlhew,  informing  us,  Chap,  xiii,  34,  that  Jesus  spake  to  the 
muiit^udes  in  parables,  gives  as  one  reason  why  he  did  so,  "that  it 
mig'it  be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken  by  the  prophet;  (Psalm  Ixxviii,  2) 
*^I  will  open  my  mouth  in  a  parable;  I  will  utter  things  which  have 
been  kept  secret  from  ilie  foundation  of  the  world." 

Tie  ninety-tir^t  Psilm  wasjpplied  by  the  Tempter,  to  Messiah:-^ 
^or  did  our  Lord  objr^ct  to  the  application,  but*  only  to  the  false  infer- 
ence which  his  adversary  suggested  from  it,  Matt.  iv.  6,  7, 

The  ninety-fifth  psalm  is  explained  at  large  in  Heb.  iii,  and  iv,  as  rel- 
ative to  tJie  state  and  trial  of  Christians  in  the  world,  and  to  their  at- 
tainment of  the  heavenly  rest. 

The  hundred  and  tenth  Psalm  is  cited  by  Christ  himself,  !\]att.  xxii, 
44,  as  treating  of  his  exaltation.,  kingdom  and   priesthood. 

The  hundred  and  seventeenth  Psalm, consisting  only  of  two  ver?e?a 
*s  employed,  Rom.  xv.  11,  to  prove,  that  the  Gentiies  were  one  day  td 
t)raise  God  for  the  mercies  of  redemption. 

Th^.  22d  verse  of  the  hundred  and  eighteentU  Psalm,  "The. 
atone  which  the  builders  refused,"  &:c.  is  quoted  six  dilTerent  times  as 
spoken  of  our  Saviour. 

And,  lastly, ''the  fruit  of  David's  body,"  which  God  is  said  in  the 
hundred  and  thirty  second  Psalm,  to  have  promised  that  he  would 
^place  upon  his  throne,"  is  asserted,  Acts  ii,  80,  to  be  Jesus  Christ. 

These  citatirvns,  lying  dispersed  through  the  scriptures  of  the  Netr 
Testanrvent,  are  often  sutlered  by  common  readers  to  pass  unnoticed. 
And  many  others  content  themselves  with  saying,  that  they  are  made  ia 
^\  8j>nse  of  afjcomn^pdation,  as  passages  may  t>e  quoted  from  po^mi  g* 


^^  0^    rSALMCDV' 

histories  merelj  human,  for  the  innstration  of  trulLs,  of  which  thei; 
authors  never  thought.  »^4Lnd  this,"(as  a  learned  critic  observes)  "i- 
nofauk,  but  rather  a  beauty  in  writing.*'  A  passage  apphed  jus(lv< 
and  in  anew  sense,  is  ever  phrasing  to'an  ingenious  reader  who  ioves 
to  be  agreeably  surprised,  and  to  see  a  likeness  and  pertinency,  where 
he  expected  none.  He  has  that  surprise  which  the  Latin  poet  so  poet- 
ically gives  to  the  tfee— ^ 

"^liratixi^ue  novas  frondes,  et  non  sua  poma." 

The  readers,  who  have  been  accustomed  to  consider  the  New  Tes 
fanrv:nt-citationsin  this  view  ofaccommodalion  onl\,  mnsl  perceive  llm 
necessity  of  such  accommodation^  at  least,  to  adapt  the  use  of  the 
Fsalrns,  as  a  part  of  divine  service,  to  the  times  and  circ'imsianres  ot 
the  gospel;  and  cannot  therefore  reason<jblv  object,  upon  tiicir  owu 
principles,  to  the  ap-j^hcations  made  in  tlie  fo^Mowing  siseet?,  tor  that 
purpose.  But  not  to  enquire,  at  present  whether  passages  are  not 
sometimes  cited  in  this  manner,  surely  no  one  can  attetstively  re  vie  ^> 
the  above  made  collection  of  Nevv-Teslament-citalions  from  (be  book 
of  Psalms  as  tliey  have  been  placed  together  before  him,  wrthout  per- 
ceiving, that  the  Psalms  are  written  upon  a  divine  pnccncerted,  pro- 
phetical plan,  and  contain  much  more,  than,  at  first  sight,  the}  appear 
to  do.  They  are  bciuLirul  witlwut,  but  all  glorious  within,  like  ^'np- 
pies  of  gold  in  pictures,  or  not-work  rases  of  silver."  Prov.  xxv.  il. 
The  brightness  of  the  casket  attracts  our  attention,  till,  through  if,  up- 
on a  nearer  approach,  v/e  discover  its  contents.  And  then,  indeed,  if- 
may  be  said  to  have  ^"noglpry,  by  reason  of  the  glory  that  so  far  excell 
eth.'*  ^     • 

Very  delightful  a?»d  piMMtahle  they  arc,  in  thfir  Irtcral  and  histori- 
cal sens^i,  which  well  repajelh  all  the' pains  taken  to  come  at  il.  Put 
that  oPice  obtained,  a  farther  scene  begins  to  open  upon  us,  and  all  the 
bUssmgs  of -the  Gospel  present  themselves  to  the  eye  of  failh.  So 
that  theexpositor  15  as  a  traveller  ascending  an  eminence,  neither  un- 
fruitful, nor  unpleasant;  at  the  top  of  which  when  he*  is  arrived,  he  be- 
holds, like  Moses  from  the  sumnnt  of  mount  Nebo,  a  more  lovely  and 
extensive  prospect  lying  l)eyond  it,  and  stretching  away  tcr  tiie  utmost 
bounds  of  the  everlasting  hills.  He  sees  vallies  covered  over  with 
corn,  blooming  gardens,  and  verdant  meadows,  with  ilocks  and  lurds 
feeding  by  rivers  ofwater;  tiil  ravished  with  ihe  sight,  he  cries  out,  ag. 
Peter  did,  at  the  view  of  his  Master's  glory,  ^'It  is  good  to  be  here!" 

(t  would  be  anreasonable  to  suppose,  that  no  parts  of  tlie  Psalms  nia y 
hy  us  be  spiritually  applied,  but  siich  as  are  already  expressly  applied 
for  us  by  the  inspired  writers.  Let  any  man  consider  attentively  ;i 
New-Testamrnt  citation;  then  let  him  as  carefully  read  over,  with  a 
view  to  it,  the  Psalm  from  which  it  is  taken,  and  see  if  it  will  not  servo 
him  as  a  key,  wherewith  to  unlock  the  treasures  of  eternal  wisdoms, 
if  it  will  not,''op-n  his  eyes,"  and  shew  him'*  wonderful  <hings"  in  God's 
^w,     Wjaen  wc  are  taught  toconsider  one  vers^^  of  a  Psalm  as  spokcti 


&f    PSALMOtVt*  185 

by  Messiah,  and  there  is  r.o  clinn^c  of  por.-^n,  what  can  wc  conrlndo, 
bat  that  he  is  tho  speaker  through  the  wliole?  In  that  rAse,  the  IVaJm 
hccomcs  at  once  as  much  (ransligurcd,  as  the  blessed  pr  ison.  supposcfi 
to  be  the  subject  of  it,  wa3,  on  mount  'I'abor.  And  if  Mo-*  i.'ih  be  th«V^ 
speaker  of  oiic  P-<aIm,  what  shouhi  hinder,  but  tliat  aiiX)tl.t'r  Psalm, 
where  the  same  kind  of  scene  is  evident!}'  descrihed,  and  tlie  sniT^c  ex- 
pressions are  used,majbe  expounded  in  the  aninc  ina-inei? 

It  is  very  justly  observed  by  Dr.  Aliix»  *Hhat  ahhougli  the  seise  of 
ncir  fifty  Psalaia  be  fixed  aad  settled  by  divine  authors, yet  Christ  and 
hisapQsiles  did  not  undertake  to  (|Uolc  all  the  Psalms  they  could  quote^ 
but  only  to  e:ive  a  key  to  their  hearers,  by  wiiich  they  nnij^lit  r«i»(>ly  t(' 
the  same  subjects  the  Psalms  of  the  simc  composure  and  exprcs^sion.*' 
The  citations. in  the  New-Testament  were  made  incidrnlHlly,  ard  as 
occasion  was  given.  But  can  wc  imagine  fhat  Ihc  churcli  r/as  not  far- 
ther instructed  if'  *he  manner  of  apply  ini^  the  P.^alms  lo  her  Redeemer, 
and  to  herself.^  Did  she  stop  at  the  applications  Ihu'^  incIdenJalfy  ami 
occasionally  made  by  the  inspired  writers/  Did  she  stop,  because  Ihcy 
Iiad  directed  her  how  to  proceed?  We  know  she  did  not.  The  primi- 
tive Kfithers,  it  is  tnie,  for  want  of  critical  learning,  and  particnlarj}- a 
competent  knowledi^o  of  the  original  Hebrew,  often  wandered  in  tl.eir 
expQ&itions;  but  they  are  unexceptionable  witnesses  to  us  of  this  mat- 
ter of  fact,  that  such  a  method  of  expounding  tlie  Psalms,  built  upon 
the  practice  of  the  apostles  in  their  writings  and  preachings,  did  nni- 
Yersally  prevail  in  the  church  from  the  beginniiyg^  'i'hcy,  who  liave 
ever  looked  iato  Augustin,  kriow,  that  he  pursues  this  plan  invaiiably; 
treating  of  the  Psalms,  as  proceeding  from  the  mouth  of  ^hris^,  or  of 
the  church,  or  of  both,  considered  as  one  mystical  person,  'i'hesnmeis 
truo  of  Jerom,  Ambrose,  Arnobius,  Cassidore,  Hilary,  and  prosper. 
Chrysostum  studies  to  make  the  Psalter  useful  to  believers  under  thi». 
gospeL  Theodoret  attends  both  to  the  literal  and  prophetic  scnso. 
Biit  what  is  very  observable,  Tertullian,  wiio  flourished  at  the  begin- 
nir>gof  the  third  century,  mentions  it,  as  if  it  were  then  nn  ajlowed 
point  in  the  church,  that  "almost  all  the  Psalms  are  spoken  in  th<:^  per- 
son of  Christ,  be-ing  addressed  by  the  Son  to  the  Father,  that  i^.^  by 
Christ  to  God.'*  In  this  channel  flows  the  stream  of  th.e  earliest  Chris- 
tian expositors.  Nor  did  they  depart,  in  this  point,  from  the  doctrine* 
hell  in  the  church  of  the  ancient  Jews,  who  ncro  always  taught  t(^ 
regard  Messiah  as  the  capital  object  ofthe  P.-ilfer.  And  lhoue;h,  \^  hen 
the  time  came,  that  people  wouKl  not  receive  Jesus  n^  Nnz.irelh  as 
their  Messiah,  it  does  not  appear  that  they  ever  o!)jected  to  th.e  pro- 
priety ofthe  citations  made  by  our  J^ord  and  Ids  apostle:;  or  thought, 
Siich  passaijes  applicable  to  David  only,  anrl  his  concerns.  Nay,  Tlic. 
most  Iparned  of  their  rabbies;  who  have  written  sirce  the  commeitce- 
menl  of  the  CliTistian  ajra.  still  agree  with  usjn  referring  many  of  (ha 
Psalms  to  ^Fessiah  and  his  kioirdom;  diiTering  vu\y  aboiU  the  perron  c*^ 
rbft^one,and  the  nat'ue  of  thf;  other, 


When  learning  arose,  as  it  were,  from  the  dead,  in  the  six'tebnfh  ceil ' 
tury,  and  the  stud)  of  primitive  theoJogy  by  that  means  revived,  the 
spiritual  interpretation  o/ the  acriptures  revived  with  it.  It  was  adop- 
ted, al  that  time,  by  one  admj.rably  qualified  to  do  it  justice,  and  to  fe- 
commpjid  it  again  to  the  world  by  every  charm  of  genius,  and  eve^.y 
ornament  of  language.  I  mean  tlie  accomphshed  Erasmus,  who  omit- 
teth  no  opportunit)  of  insisting  onrilie  usei'uh.e?*  apd  even  tl^e  necessi- 
ty of  it,  far  the  right  understanding  of  the  scriptures;  for  the  #?iain- 
ment  of  that  wisdom  wriicb  they  tcacii,  and  that  Isoliness  which  they, 
prescribe';  seeming  to  thitik  himself  ne^er  belter  employed,  than  whert"^ 
he  is  removing  the  earth  and  rubbish,  with  which  those  Philistines,  the 
monks,  had  stopped  up  the  wells  of  salvation,  opened  hy  the  /Apostle*- 
and  tirst  Fatiiers  of  the  church,  for  tlx^  benefit  of  mankind. 

It  is  obviDu^,  that  every  part  of  (he  Psalter  when  explicated  accord* 
ing  to  this  scriptur.il  and  primitive  rn^ihod,  is  rendered  ur.iversally^ 
"profitable  for  doctrine,  for  leproof,  for  corrc'ctioi',  for  instruciion  iM' 
ri^'iteousnes^v'  -^Jid  the  propriety  immediately   appears  of  its  ha\if»g 
always  be<  n  used  \v  tht'  devctional  way;  both  by   the  Jewish  and  the 
Christian  church.     With  regard  to  the  Jews,  Bishop  Chandlc^  very, 
pertinently   remarks,  that  "they   must  have  understood  David   their 
prii.ce  to  have  been    a    figure   o/  Alessiah.     They  would  not  other- 
xvise  h'^vo  made  nis  Psalms  part  of  their  daily  worship,  nor  would  Davids 
have  delivered  tnem  to  the  cSiurch,  to  be  so  employed,  vvere  it  rof  to 
histruct,  and  support  them  in  the  knowledge  and  belief  of  this  funda- 
mental article .      Was  the  Messiah  not  concernjed  in  the  Psalms,  it  were 
absurd  to  celebrate,  twice  a  day, in  their  public  devotions,  the  events  of 
one  man's  life,  who  was  deceased  3o  long  ago,  as  to  have-  no  relation 
BOW  to  the  Jews,  and  the  circumstanc-es  of  their  aflfairs^;  or  to  transcribe 
waole  passa<i;ei:,  from  them,  into  their  prayers  for  the  coming  of  the 
Messiah."     Upoji  the  sp.me  principle,  it  is  easily  seen,  that  the  objec- 
tions, \Vhicb  may  seem  to  lie  against  the   use  of  Jewish  services,  in 
Ciiristian  r.ui^Tieg;itions,  cea?e>  at  once.      Thus,  it  may  be  said,  are  we" 
concerred  with  the  evjiairs  of  David  and  of  I-rael?  Have  we  any  thing 
to  do  wi.htheark  and  the  ti^mpb  ?   'J'hey  are  no  more.      Are  we  to  go 
yp  to  Jerusalcnr*,  and  to  v^orship  on  Sion?    They   are   desolated   ana" 
trodden  under  foot  by  th.e  Turks.     Arc  we  to  sacrifice  yoii^ng  bullocks^. 
ac-ording  to  the  law?   The  law  is  abolished,  never  to  be  obsKfVed 
aijnin.     Do  we  pr.iy  tor  victory  over  Moab,  Edom,  and   Philistia;  or 
for  Jeiiverance-  from   B  \hyion'  Tijere  are  no  such  nations,  no  such 
pla'^es  in  the  world.      What  then  do  we  mean,  when,  taking  such  ex-^ 
nressio^is  in!o  our  motith?;,  ue  utter  them  in  our  own  persons,  ai  parts 
"Vif  oar  d^.volions,  I  efore  God?   Asfuredly  we  must  m.ean  a  spiritm.l  Je- 
rusalem and  Sion;  a  spiritual  ark  and  temple;  a  spiritual  law;  spiritual 
sacj'ilices;  and  spiiitual  victories:  spiritual  enemies;  all  described  under 
the  old  name's,  which  arc  still  retained,  though  "old  things  are  passed 
a^AVay,  and  all  things  are-to  become  new."     By  substituting, Meswah  f<rr. 


m 


Davu^,  llio  gospel  for  the  law,  the  church  Christian  for  that  of  I-srael, 
and  tht  enemies  of  the  one  for  those  of  the  other,  the  Psalms  are  made 
Our  own.  Nay,  they  are  with  more  fulness  and  propriety  applied  now 
to  the  substance,  than  they  were  of  old  to  the  "shadow  of  good  things 
then  to  come."  And  therefore,  ever  since  the  commencement  of  the 
Chri-stiao^BEira,  the  churcli  iiath  ch&sen  to  celebrate  the  j^ospel  mysteries 
in  the  words  •f  tliese  ancient  hymns,  rather  tjian  to  compose  for  that 
|Uiri>ose  new  ones  of  her  own.  For  let  rt  not  pass  unobserved,  that, 
vvhen^  upon  the  first  publication  of  the  u;os}X^l,  the  apostles  had  occa*- 
sion  ta  utter  theii'  transj>orts  of  joy,  on  their  being  counted  worthy  to 
suffer  for  the  name  of  thejrdear  Lord  and  Master,  which  was  then  op- 
posed by  Jew  a»d  Gentile,  they  break  forth  into  an  application  of  the 
second  Psalm  to  the  transactions  then  before  their  e  es.  See  acts  iv  25. 
The  primitive  (.'hristians  constantly  followed  this  method,  in  their  de- 
votions: und,  particularly  when,  delivered  out  o-  the  hands  of  persecat- 
ing  tyrants,  bv  the  victories  of  C#nstantine,  they  praised  God  for  his 
^goodness,  awd  the  glorious  success  and  establishmeotof  Christ's  religion, 
no  words  were  found  si  exqui^itely  adapt(?d  to  the  purpose,  as  those  of 
D.ivid,inthe  xcvi,  xcviii,  and  other  Psalms — "Sing unto  the  Lord  anew 
flOj.g:  sing  unto  the  word,  all  the  earth  Sing  unto  the  Lord  and  praise 
hi  >  name:  be  telling  of  his  salvation  from  day  to  H»y.  Declare  his  hon- 
t)  nto  t^c  heathens,  his  worship  unto  all  people. ^^ — &c.  &,c  &c.  In 
0  -V  •nd  the  like  psalms,  we  continue  to  praise  '^.od,  for  all  his  spir- 
t  cie«  in  Christ,  to  this  day. 
.  lie  i'salms-,  thus  applied,  have  advantages,  which  no  fresh  compo- 
sitions, however  finely  executed,  can  possibly  haye;  since  besides  their 
incomparable  fitness  to  express  our  sentiments,  they  are,  at  the  same 
time,  memorials  of,  and  appeals  to  former  mercies  and  deliverances; 
Ihey  are  acUnowiedgements -of  prophecies  accom])lished;  they  point 
"out  the  connection  between  the  old  and  new  dispensations,  thereby 
teaching  us  to  admire  and  adore  the  wisdom  of  God  displayed  in  both, 
and  furnishing,  while  we  read  or  sing  them,  an  inexhaustible  variety  of 
liie  noblest  matter  that  can  engage  the  contemplations  of  man. 

A  ery  few  of  the  Psalms,  comparatively,  appear  to  be  simply  pro- 
phetical, and  to  belong  only  to  INlessiah,  without  the  intervention  oT 
any  other  person.  Most  of  them,  it  is 'apprehended,  have  a  double" 
sense,  which  stands  upon  this  ground  and  foundation,  that  the  ancient 
patriarchs,  prophets,  priests,  and  kings,  were  typical  characters,  in  their 
3?veral  offices,  aiid  in  the  more  rcmarkabte-passae;rs  of  their  lives,  their 
extraordinary  depressions,  and  miraculous  exaltations,  foreshowing  Him 
who  was  to  a'ise,  as  the  Head  of  the  Holy  Family,  the  great  Prophet, 
the  true  Piiest,  the  everlasting  King.  The  Israelitish  polity,  and  the 
law  of  Moses,  were  purposely  framed  after  the  example  and  shadow  of 
things  spiritual  and  heavenly;  and  the  events,  which  happened  to  the 
ancient  people  of  God,  were  designed  to  sliadowout  parallel  occurren* 
•Ces,  which  ghould  aftorwajds  take  place?  io  tb'c  accompli^hmant  of  mac '5 


v^a 


OF    VS.iL^OOY. 


redemption,  antl  Uie  rise  and  progress  of  the  Christian  church.  Fci* 
this  reason,  th'»  Pralms  composed  for  the  use  of  Israel,  and  Israel\s 
monarch,  and  hy  them  accordingly  used  at  the  time,  do  admit  of  an  ap- 
plication to  us,  who  are  now  "the  Israel  of  God,"  and  to  our  Iledeemer, 
who  is  the  l^ing  of  this  Israel. 

Nor  will  this  seem  stranee  to  us,  if  we  reflect,  that  t]ie«ame  divine 
j^rson,  who  inspired  the  Psalms,  did  also  foreknow  and  predispose  all 
cwents.  of  which  he  intended  them  to  treat.  And  hence  it  is  evident, 
that  the  spiritual  sense  is,  and  must  be  peculiar  to  the  ScripttireS;  be- 
cause of  those  persons  and  transactions  only  which  are  there  mention.&d 
an  1  recorded,  can  it  be  affirmed  for  certain,  that  they  were  designed  to 
be  figurative.  And  "should  any  one  attempt  to  apply  the  narrative  of  A* 
lexander'sexpcdition  by  Quintus  Curtius,  or  the  commentaries  of  Ca^sar^ 
as  t'->e  New  Testament  writers  have  done,  and  talight  us  to  do.  the  histo- 
ries of  the  Old,  he  would  find  himself  unable  to  proceed  three  steps  vviih 
consistency  a'nd  propriety.  The  argument,  therefore,  which  would 
infer  the  absurdity  of  supposing  the  scriptures  to  have  a  spiritual  sense, 
from  the  acknowledged  absurdity  of  supposing  histories  or  poems  mere- 
ly burnin  to  have  it,  is  iaconclusive;  the  sacred  writings  differing^  in 
this  respect,  from  all  other  writings  in  the  world,  as  much  as  the  nature 
of  the  transactions  which  they  relate  differs  from  that  of  all  other  trans- 
actions, and  the  author  who  relates  them  differs  from  all  other  authors. 

**This  double,  or  sRCondar}''  sense  of  prophecy,  was  so  far  from  giv- 
ing offence  to  lord  Bacon,  that  he  speaks  of  it  with  admiration,  as  one 
strik-no;  argument  of  its  Divinity.  Li  S07^ting  the  jjvophecies  of  Scrip- 
ture, with  fhfir  events^  the  must  allow,  says  he,  for  that  latitude, 
tvhie^  is  as:reeahlc  andfa7niliar  unto  divine  prophecies,  being  of  the 
nature  of  him^  with  rrhom  a  thousand  5^ ears  are  but  as  one  day;  end 
ihcrpf'irc  tkey  are  md  faliiUcd punctually  at  once^  but  hove  springing  and 
gfirvyy>^^t  accnnipif<(hmpnt  through  many  ages,  though  the  heigh  t,  or  full- 
■ness  nf  them,  may  refer  to  some  one  age, 

'^l^ut.  that  we  may  not  mistake  or  pervert  this  fine  observation  of  our 
a;reat  Philosopher,  it  may  be  proper  to  take  notice,  that  the  reason  of 
it  hoMs  in  such  propliecies  only  as  resr»ct  the  several  successive 
r>a?-ts  of  one  system;  which  being  intimately  connected  together,  may 
T>e  suor«s>d  within  the  view  and  contemplation  of  the  same  prophecy  j 
whereng  it  would  be  endless,  and  one  sees  not  on  what  grounds  of  rea- 
son we  are  outliorised  to  look  out  for  the  accomplishment  of  prophecy,  in 
.nny  casual  unrelated  events  of  general  history.  The  scriptuie  speaks  of 
pronhecy.  as  respecting  Jesus,  that  is,  as  being  one  connected  scheme 
ojC  providence,  of  which  the  Jewish  dispensation  makas  a  part:  so  that 
Jiere  we  are  led  to  expect  that  springing  and  germinanl  accompli shmfnl^ 
which  is  mentioned.  But,  had  the  Jewish  law  been  complete  in  itself, 
and  totally  unrelated  to  the  Christian,  the  general  principle — that  n  thou- 
anl  Tr^rs  are  ~"flh  Go-t  hut  as  one  day — would  no  more  justify  us  i^ 
0;;cte!*ding  a  Jewish  pix)phecy  to  Christian  eyents,..  because  perhi^s  it 


<>r    PSALMObV.  ^^ 

\v^  ei^n*ntlv  fulfilled  in  Ihtm,  than  it  would  justify  us  in  extending  it 
to  toy  other' siL'nally  corresponding  events  whatsoever.  It  is  only 
whcfi  the  j)ropi)et  hath  one  uniform  connected  design  before  him  that 
we  are  authorised  to  use  this  latitude  of  interpretation.  For  then  th» 
prophetic  Spirit  naturally  rmis  along  the  several  parts  of  such  design, 
and  unites  the  remotest  events  with  the  nearest:  the  style  of  the  prophet, 
in  the  mean  time,  so  adapting  itself  to  this  double  pros])eot,  as  to  paint 
the  near  and  subordinate  event  in  terms  that  cniphaticiiVy  represent  tlie 
distant  and  more  considerable.  So  that,  with  this  explanation,  notbim* 
oin  ha  more  just  or  pJnlosophical,  than  the  idea  which  L^rd  13acon 
«ui:g,ests,  of  divine  prophecy. 

''The  great  scheme  of  Redemption,  we  are  now  considering,  being 
the  only  scheme  in  the  plan  of  providence,  which,  as  far  as  wc  know, 
hath  been  prepared  andxligniiicd  by  a  continued  system  of  pro-phccy,  at 
Least  this  being  the  only  scheme  to  which  we  have  seen  a  j)rophetic  tij-jr- 
tem  applied,  men  do  not  so  readily  apprehend  the  doctrine  of  double 
senses  m  prophecy,  as  they  would  do,  if  they  saw  it  exemplified  in 
other  cases.  But  what  the  history  of  mankind  does  not  supply  we 
may  re])re»cnt  to  ourselves  by  many  obvious  suppositions;  which  can- 
not justify,  ind^d,  such  a  scheme  of  things,  but  may  facilitate  the  con- 
ception of  it."* 

In  allegories  framed  by  man,  the  ground-work  is  generally  fiction, 
Itecause  of  the  difficulty  of  finding  one  true  series  of  facts,  which  shall 
exactly  represent  another.      But  the  great  disposer  of  events,  '*known 
unto  whom  are  all  his  works,"  from  the  beginning  to  the  end  of  time, 
was  able  to  effect  this;  and  the  scripture  allegories  are  therefore  equally 
true  in  the  letter  and  in  the  spirit  of  them .     The  events  signifying,  no 
Jess  than  those  signified,  really  happened,  as  they  are  said  to  have  done. 
Why  the  allegories  of  the  most  perfect  form,  with  which  the  book  of 
God  abounds,  and  which  are  all  pregnant  with  truths  of  the  highest  im- 
port, should  be  treated  with  neglect  and  contempt,  while  the  imperfect 
•allegories  of  man's  devising  are  universally  sought  after  and  admired, 
as  the  most  pleasinj;  and  most  efficacious  method  of  conveying  instruc- 
tion, it  is  not  easy  to  say.      Why  should  it  not  afford  a  believer  as  much 
Ueligl.t,  to  contemplate  the  lineaments  of  liis  Saviour,  pourtrayed  in  one 
of  the  patriarchs,  as  to  be  inforn^ed  that  the  character  of  lapis  was  de- 
signed by  Virgil  to  adumbrate  that  of  Antonius  Musa,  physician  to  Au- 
gustus? Or  why  should  not  a  discourse   upon  the  Redemption  of  the 
Church  as  foreshadowed  by  the  exodus  of  Israel,  have  as  many  admir- 
ers among  Christians,  as  a  dissertation,  however  ingeniously  corr  posed, 
on  the  descent  of  -^neas  to  the  infernal  regidns,  considered  as  typical 
of  an  initiation  into  the  Eleusinian  mysteries? 

A  learned,  jiidicions,  and   most  elegant  writer  of  the  present  ag^, 
hath  stated  and  illustrated  the  subject  wo  are  now  upon,  with  a  felicity 

*  Sf^p  B  >?hon  Hur^^BQxcelknl  introduction  to  the  study  of  the  Fropbccics,  ?->— 


®f  tliouglit  and  expression  peculiar  to  himself.     I  shall  endeavor  to  graT- 
ify  the  English  rtader  with  a  view  of  his  sentiments.     Th©  beauties  of  • 
j&Ls-la^Dguage  are  not  to  be  translated. 

'«^lt  would  bean  arduous ^and  adventurofus  undertaking  to  attempt  to 
Bay  down  the  rules  observed  in  the  conduct  of  the  Mys'tic  Allegory;  so 
diverse  are  the  modes  in  which  the  Holy  Spirit  has  thought  proper  to 
-communicate  his  counsels  to  different  person*  upon  ilifferent  occasions: 
iTispiring  and  direirting  the  minds  of  the  prophets  according  to  hi»  good 
pleasure ,  at  one  time  vouchsafing  more  full  and  free  discoverie'^  of  future 
events;  while,  rat  another,  he  is  more  obscure  and  ^.artni;  in  his  intima- 
liions.  From  hence,  of  course,  ariseth  a  great  variety  in  tj^e  scripture 
«sage  of  this  Jkind  c>f  allegory,  as  to  the  manner  in  whicfe  the  spiritual 
liense  is  couched  under  the  other.  Sometimes  it  can  bardly  break  forth 
tmd  shew:  itself  at  intervals  through  the  literal, .which  meets  ihe  eye  «s 
stie  ruling  sense,  and  seems  to  have  taken  entire  possession  of  the  words 
and  phrases.  On  the  contrary,  it  is  niueh  ofterter  the  capital  figure  in 
ihc  piece,  iind  stands  confessed  at^nce  by  such  ^lendor  of  language, 
idiatthe  letter,  in  its  turn,  is  throwninto  shades,  and  ahtnost  totally  disap«»r 
pe*r&-  Sometimes  it  shines  with  a  constant  equable  light;  and  some- 
times it  darts  upon  us  on  a  stidden,  like  a  flash  of  lightning  from  the 
elouds.  But  a  composition  is  never  more  truly  elegant  and  beautiful, 
than  when  the  two  sen^s»  alike  conspicuous,  run  parallel  together 
Mirough  the  whole  poem,  mutually  corresponding  with,  and  illustrat- 
Hig  each  other.  1  will  produae  an  undoubted  instance  or  two  of  this 
"kind,  which  will  shew  my  meaning,  and  confirm  what  has  hitherto  beeis; 
advanced  oa  the  subject  of  the  mystic  allegory. 

**The  estanlistimeiit  ot  David  -upon  ins  titrone,  notwiths^andiBg  (he 
©pposition  made  to  it  by  his  enemies,  is  the  subject  of  the  second  Psalm. 
David  sustains  in  it  a  tv-vofoid  charpcter^  liieiai  aid  allegorical.  if 
'we  read  ov^er  the  P^aliij  first  with  an  eye  to  the  literal  David,  the  mean^ 
fng  sobvioas,and  put  out  of  all  dispute  by  the  sacred  history.  There 
%,  indeed,  an  uncommon  glow  in  the  expression,  and  sublimity 
^n  the  figures,  and  the  diction  is  now  and  then  ex^v^gerated  as  it  were 
isn  purpose  to  intimate,  and  lead  us  to  the  eontempl  ition  of  higher  and 
more  important  matters  concealed  within.  In  compliance  with  this 
admot.ition,  if  we  take  a  survey  of  the  Psolm,  as  relauve  to  the  person 
Aod  concerns  of  the  spiritual  David,  a  nobler  series  of  events  instant- 
liv  M-es  (a  view,  ai^d  the  meaRing  becomes  neoreevideiit,  as  well  as  ex- 

alted.  ,    •      r      1 

<'  The  coloring,  w'iic;i  may  perhaps  seem  too  bold  and  glaring  for  tlie 
iin"^or  Israel,  will  no  longer  appear  so,  when  laid  upon  his  great  anti- 

tpe.  After  we  have  thus  attentively  considered  the  subject  epart, 
t  us  look  at  them  togethei*,  and  we  shall  behold  the  full  beauty  and 
ttiufesty  of  this  most  charming  poem.  We  shalTperceive  the  two  sens- 
es Very  distinct  from  each  other,  vet  conspiring  in  perfect  harmony, 
rui  b^uring  awonderfui  resQmJ;itanceiQ  every  feattire  eind  Uncaqj^t-, 


v^BC 


t^Villc  Uxc  aaiilogy  between  them  is  so  exactly  prefit>P¥txi,  th;it  ciliirr 
may  |>a63  for  the  oiigincil,  fronrj  wher>re  the  other  ^as  copifd.  New 
lij^ht  is  continually  cast  upon  tlve  phrastvlogV;  fresi)  w<iit;ht  an<i  dig- 
nity are  added  to  the  senUnrw^nt;  till^raduajly  ascending  Ironn  thingf^ 
bfilow  to  things  above,  fran\  human  Hirair#.lo  lliosre  wl4ch  ^re  dlvina, 
they  bear  the  great  important  theme  upwards  with  tliem,  and  at  Icnglb 
place  it  in  the  height  and  brightness  of  heaveft* 

''What  hath  been  observed  with  regard  to  this  Psalm,  may  also  'hw 
applied  to  the  seventy-second;  the  subject  of  which  is  of  the  samo 
kT«d,  and  treate<l  in  tl^e  same  manner.  Its  title  might  be.  The  Innngv- 
ration  of  Solomon^  The  scheme  of  the  allegory  is  alike  in  both;  hift 
^  diversity  of  matter  occasions  an  alteration  in  tJte  diction.  For 
wlkereas  one  i»  employed  in  celebrating  the  magnificent  triurrp'bs  of 
victory,  it  is  the  design  of  the  other  to  draw  a  jijfasing  picture  of  peace^ 
a^d  of  (hat  felicity,  which  is  her  ics(  parable  attejidant.  The  style^ 
i«,  therefore,  of  a  nrw)re  even  and  temperate  sort,  and  noorc  richly  or- 
namented, it  aboundeth  not  with  tbose  chaoi^csof  the  per?.on  speak- 
ing, which  dazzle  and  astonish;  but  the  im.igery  is  borro-wed  from  the 
delightful  scenes  with  which  creation  cheers  the  sight,  and  the  pencE 
of  the  divine  artist  is  dipped  m  tire  softer  colors  ot  nature.  And  htrtr 
ive  may  take  m^tice  bow  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  genius  of  this  kind 
of  allogory  the  parabolical -style  is,  on  account  of  that  great  variety 
of  natural  images  te  be  found  in  it.  For  as  these  images  are  capable 
of  being  employed  in  the  illustration  of  things  divine  and  hunrian,  be- 
twaen  which  there  is  a  certain  analogy  maintained,  so  they  easily  af. 
lord  that  ambiguity  which  is  necessary  in  this  species  of  compofitioa, 
wfcere  the  language  is  applicable  to  each  sense,  and  obscure  in  neither; 
it  comprehends  both  parts  of  the  allegory,  and  may  be  cl,ear^y  and  dis- 
tinctly referred  to  one  or  the  other,"* 

Id  such  of  the  Psalms  as  were  written  by  David,  and  treat  oif  his  af- 
fairs, th^t  extraordinary  person  is  considered  as  an  iiiystrions  represeiv- 
tative  of  Mesiiah,  who  is  more  than  once  foretold  under  the  name  of 
David,  and  to  whom  are  applied,  in  the  New  Testament,  Psalms  which 
do  undoubtedly,  in  the  letter  of  them,  relate  to  David,  and  were  com- 
posed on  occasion  of  particular  occurrences  which  befel  him;  a  circum^ 
stance  in  theology,  to  be  accounted  for  upon  no  other  principJe. 

When,  therefore,  he  describeth  himself  as  one  hated  and  persecliteS 
without  a  cause  j  as  one  accused  of  crimes  which  he  n%ver  committed^ 
«nd  suffering  for  sins,  the  very  thoughts  of  which  he  abhorred;  as  one 
whose  life  was  embittered  by  alHiction,  and  bis  'oul  overwhelmed  witfr 
Borrows;  yet  withal,  as  one  whom  no  troubles  could  induce  to  renounce 
liis  trust  and  confidence  in  the  promises  of  God  concerning  him,  wher. 
he  repeateth  his  resolutions  of  adhering  to  the  divine  law,  setting  forth 
its  various  excellencies,  aod  the  comforts  which  it  aHbrded  him  in  ^b/s 

^J^abap  ,i»Q^Tt})  on  the  Hebrew  p^tty,  Lect.  it. 


days  oradv.ei8ity;  v^licn  he  complajneth  of  that  implacable  malicfe,  and 
.-unrelentisjg  furj^  with  which  he  was  pursued  by  Saul  and  his  attend* 
ants,  by  Doeg  the  Edomife,  by  rebellious  Absalonn,  traitorous  Ahitho- 
phel,&:c.  and  when,  contrary  to  all  appearances,  be  prcdicteth  tlteir 
destruction;  with  his  own  final  exiltatio:) ;  (he  reader^  in  mediiAting  up- 
on Psalms  of  this  cast  and  complexion,  should  direct  his  thonghJs  to 
parallel  circumstances,  which  present  themselves  in  the  history  of  ih<? 
true  Pavid;  hissorrovys  and  suflferings;  his  resignation  under  them  all j 
his  obedience  to  the  will  of  his  Fatfier;  the  temper  and  behavior  of  his 
betrayers  and  murderers;  the  prophecies  of  judgml^nts  to  be  inflicted 
•jpon  them,  and  of  glory  to  be  conferred  upon  him.  As  the  Psalter 
was  the  liturgy  of  the  Jewish  church,  of  which  our  Lord  wae  a  mem- 
ber, and  to  which  he  therefore  e-tirely  conformed,  during  his  abode 
find  humiliation  upon  earth,  he  might  pour  forth  his  complaints  and 
•'•"oircr  up  his  prayers  and  supplications  with  strong  crjing  and  tears,** 
in  the  very  words  which  his  progenitor  David  had  before  used  under 
his  own  troubles,  but  which  were  given  by  inspiration,  with  a  view  to 
the  case  of  that  blessed  person,  whom,  in  those  troubles,  he  had  the 
honor  to  prefigure. 

Other  Psalms  there  nre,  which  disclose  far  difTereni  scene?.  In 
fliem,  the  sorrows  of  David  are  at  an  end,  and  the  day  of  his  deliver- 
ance htth  already  dawned.  The  heavens  are  opened,  and  Jehovah 
appeareth  in  the  cause  of  his  afflicted  servant.  IJe  descendeth  from 
above,  encompassed  with  clouds  and  darkness,  preceded  by  fire  and 
hail,''proclaimed  by  thmderand  earthquake,  and  Mtendedhy  lighten- 
ings  avd  whirlwinds.  The  mountains  smoke,  -and  the  rocks  melt  be- 
fore him;  the  foundahons  of  the  globe  are  uncovered,  and  the  deep 
from  beneath  is  moved  at  his  presence.  "The  adversary  i-s  dismayed 
and  confounded;  opposition,  in  the  height  of  its  career,  feels  the  blasi 
through  all  its  powers^  and  ins4;anl]y  withers  away.  The  anointed  of 
God,  according  to  his  original  designation,  is  at  length  elevated  to  the 
throne;  hisseeptre  is  extended  over  the  nations;  the  temple  is  planned 
by  liimjand  erected  by  his  son;  the  services  of  religion  are  appointed 
m  perfect  order  and  beauty:  Jerusalem  becometh  a  praise  in  all  the 
earth;  and  the  kingdom  is  established  in  honor,  p/3ace  and  felicity.—- 
If  in  P.-ahns  of  the  former  kind  the  holy  Jesus  might  behold  those  per- 
secutions and  sufferings,  under  which  he  was  to  be  humbled,  and  to 
mourn,  diirinsj  his  pilgrimage  here  helovv;  in  Psalms  of  this  latter  sort, 
he  might  sfrer.gthen  and  console  iiimself,  as  a  man  "touched  with  the 
fnejings  of  our  infirmities,  and  (empted  in  all  points  like  as  we  are,"  by 
vie'viuiJ- "the  glory  that  should  fo-llow;''  by  contemplating  the  manifesta- 
tion oftlie  Father  in  favor  of  lii?  beloved  Son;  his  own  joyful  resurrec- 
tion, triumphant  ascension, and  map^nidronl  inauguration;  the  conver-' 
aion  of  the  world,  and  Ihe  estabiishmeut  of  the  church;  events  which 
wefe  foreshadowed  by  those  above  mentioned;  and  to  which,  when  th« 
-fjxjn^est  expresiiionp  made  use  of  by  the  divine  P.-almist  are  applied-? 


OP  psA^Mo^^^'. 

.hoy  will  n«  lonpr  appear  hyperbolical;  especially V  »rc  bear  i,,  „,  .  „ 
tha    Ihcsc  prophehc  desrrlplions  «ait  for  thrir  full  and  final  acr  m' 
pli.lwncBt  a.    lw,t  .ay,  when  the  mys.iral  -body  of  Chrl-t."  I.avil  u^ 
led  up  that  *l.„-h  .s  behind  of  l.i«  afflicdons"  shall  al-^      l^k^  , 
pans,  and  ronvuUion.  of  d.-parln^  nad.re.ari.e  from  the  d/'ul  tn.l 
cend  n>  o  heaven;   where  all  il.<.  m^n.bers  of  that   ho.lv,  uhirh  hVv 
heenartl,c(cd,anl  have  monrned  w.  h  their  I  ord  and  A L^s  er  shairh 
omfbrted  and  pi  )ri(ie.J  lORelliPr  will,  hini.  '       '"  '"' 

\\  hen  man  speak,  of  .in,  be  =poakd  of  what  is  hi.  ,nvn-  a",d  -h^  ,  f 

every  1  .sain,,  where  s.n  is  con,c.scd  to  be  the.  ca,.,e  of  Jo    ow    M.^" 

originally  and  properly  to  »s,  as  fallen  sons  of  Adan,    lileTnlT       "■ 

all  oU.er  nana      This  is  the  ease  of  the  fifty  firsf,and\e,csSC' 

vvhich  ve  sty  lea  I>c:>i!c:Uial  Psalms,  an.l  have  aW,-..  been  u'  1^1"' 

church  as  such.     Sometimes,  indeed,  it  Imnnen,    ih-.f  «.I  .         ' 

heavy  Complaints  of  the  number  and  bur.h.':,^:';     .     .r^..^'^,'  -'" 

which  passages  are  quoted  in  the  New  Testament  as     (  ^  iTV       "" 

Hedoemer,  and  in  which  there  seems  to  bJn       h,  te  of  u  rti  V'""" 

hog.r.ningtoend.     We  are  assured,  for  instance,  b^the  aS 'uT 

X    5,  that  the  siKth,  seventh  and  eighth  verse,  of  the  fSl",  P    f'" 

"bacnl.ro  and  o!l..,ing  thou  did.t  not  de,sire,  &r."  are.pol^L^  bf  t,     ' 

Siah.  cftming  to  «bolish  the  le^al  sacrifices  bv  th-   ohlaUon  oM-     't- 

o  ,re  f,r  all.     The  same  pei^on  to  apnearanc"  Vonlinr.        T-'^" 

And,  only  three  verses  after,  con.plains'in  the   ollowi    "rm?^'::',  '"?' 

m^rablc  evils  have  compassed  me  about,  mine   ininnir^es  hTv'e  ,'. 

ho  d  upon  mo,  so  that  I  am  not  able  to  iKoit  uo:  tl.cv  •  re  mo^^,^       it" 

hair,  of  my  bead,  therefore  my  Iwart  failelh  ^e  "  ^'ol^fn  ,h   '"  '^" 

r.0  less  than  live  quotations  from  d,lfV,.,e  p,,^„c  .hrcath  P=  'I'r:  ""u 

concurnni:  to  inform  us,  that  Christ  is  the  sne.ker  lhrou!h  .h^',     K  ''i  ' 

P.alm.     Yet  the  r.fch  verse  of  it  ru..«  th.-s-  "Q  God   fhn.f I,       '  "'""'''' 

..olishnessand  mv  U^n.M.  Suiltines.  is'no't  hYd'^^ro'-'n'tt    "^."^  ^^ 

of  the  Fathers,  is  thii,'.hatbhri:t!T:;7h:.'l7o^^^^^^ 

char^^d  with  the  sin  and  i;ailt  of  his  people,  speX'  of     .ch  f/''''"'^ 

spoaslhle.    T!,e  Lamb  which  under  ,be  law,\;a   cffi    , 7f  l"  ■    T  Y  T' 
name  f.,..v.M,  "«.,;„,•'  b».au=e  the  gnilt  co'n!rtf  d  /'.V:;  "" 

hVo^r^^n'Jarn  i=::',i  ?:?•-:'  -i  -.picai./ei'^irtr:, 


"^^^  of^;::;n- --y  tho ..:  in ;.;.;!  ^^r-^;:.";^:.;?,;:: 
w  h.  ba.e  oar  =.!^  i:!';:!:::;:'^^;:;  7':^::  ^;:'l;^.^::,:r""^ 

fS'  us,  who  kne.v  no  sin,  that  we  ..ght  be  ,..ade  (he  ,iX"  "  '• 

Gad  in  h,.„.-     Christ  and  the  church  c.mpos..  U  Lst       l7' ■''"'  ". 
^•hich  he  I,  the  head,  and  (he  church  tii.  body;  -nd  Ts^I.e  tT'^"V 
\  the  he,aj,  HiKl  the  bead  f.r  the  bodv.  h=  speaks llVrTi^i'rhTt'- 


^4^ 


AL,lVlODl^ 


his  righteousneas;  which  consideration  h  at  (he  sani£  lihrie  a  key  to  any 
claims  of  righteousness  made  in  the  Psalms  by  her,  and  to  any  confes- 
sion of  sin  made  hy  him.  This  seems  to  be  a  satisfactory  account  of 
the  matter.  Such,  at  least,  appears  to  have  l^een  tlie  idea  generally 
adopted  and  received,  in  the  first  ages  of  the  Christian  church.  Nay, 
and  even  in  reciting  the  Penitential  Psalms, Vhen  the  unhappy  suilerer 
is  ready  to  sifk  down  under  that  weight  of  ^roe  which  sm  haih  laid  up- 
on hirn,  if  he  will  exlend  his  thoughts,  as  he  is  sometimes  directed  to 
do,  to  that  holy.and  most  innocent  person,  who  f c  U  and  sorrowed  so 
much  for  us  all,  he  will  thereby  furnish  himself  witU  the  best  argumfnt 
for  patience,  and  an  inexhaustible  source  of  comfojt.  Nor  cnn  it,  in- 
deed, well  be  imagined,  that  our  blessed  Lord,  as  a  member  of  the 
Jewish  church,  and  an  attendant  on  the  service  of  the  synagogue,, 
thouglj  conscious  to  himself  o<  no  sin,  did  not  frequently  join  with  his 
^'brethren  according  <o  tl>e  flesh,"  in  the  repetition  of  the  Penitential, 
as  weil  as  the  other  Psalms,  on  the  days  of  humiliation  and  expiation,. 
w'^e'\  the  use  of  them  might  be  prescribed.  If,  from  his  circumcision 
to  his  cr(jcifix:ion,  he  '^bare  oursJnsin  his  own  body;"  why  should  it  be 
thought  strange,  that  he  should  confess  them,  on  our  behalf,  with  his 
own  mou'h?. 

The  offence  taken  at  the  supposed  uncharitable  and  vindictive  spirit 
t)f  the  impregiktions  whuh  occur  in  some  of  the  Psalms,  ceases  imme-- 
di-U^lv.  if  we  chang^e  thp.  imperative  for  the  future,  and  read,  rot  "'let 
THEM  BK  cnnfounded,"  t^c.  hot,  ♦*they  shall  be  confounded,''  &:c.  of 
^vhichthe  Hebrew  is  equally  enable.      Such  passages  will  then,  have 
lio  more  difliculty  iii  them,  tb«n  the  other  frequent  predictions  of  divine 
vengeance  in  the  writings  of  the  prophets,  or  denunciations  of  it  in  the 
go'^pols,  intended  to  warn,  to  alarm, and  tp  lead  sinners  to  repentance, 
that  they  rjiay  fly  from  the  wrath  to  come.     This  is  Dr.  fJammond's  ob- 
servation, who  very  properly  remarks,  at  the  same  time,  that  in  many 
pjr^res  ofthissort,  as  parlicnlarly  in  Psalm  cix. (and  th^  same  may  bf  said 
of  P-  Inn  Ixix.)  itT"s  reasonable  to  resolve,  that  Christ  himself.^peaketh  in 
th'' prophet;  as  being 'he  prr'^on  there  principally  corcerned.and  thecom- 
plrtioiim'OstsiiTjn^linmanycircnm^ta^  ces  there  men  tinned;  the  succession 
espec'allvofi\latthiastotheape«tleshipofJuda«.  It  is  true  that  in  the  cita- 
tion made  by  St.  P<'ter  from   Psalm  <  ix    in  Acts  i.  20,  as  also,  in  that 
made  by  S^.  Paul  from  f^saim  Ixix.  in  Rem.  xi.  9,  the  imperative  form  is 
preserved  ;  "lft  hip  habitation  be  vnid,""&c.   let  their  table  be  made  a 
}<nare,"  &c.      Rut  it  may  be  considf-red  that  the  apostles  gei;eral!y  cited 
from  the  Greek  of  th«  L\X  versif>n,  and  took  it  as  they  found  if,  mak- 
ing no  alteration,  wiien  the.passacre.  a-  it  there  stood,  was  suflicient  to 
nrove  He  man  point  which  il  w  <«.')ddnced  to  prove,      ff  the  imprecate- 
TV  form  he  slill  contended  for,all  that  can  be  m.eant  by  it,  whether  utter- 
fd  by  the  Pronh<^t,hy  Messiah,  or  by  ourselves,  must  he  a  solemn  ratifi- 
cation of  tl^ie  just  iudirments  of  the  Almudjty  aeainst  his  impenitent  en- 
e.^€s,like  what  we  find  ascrihid  to  t^ie  blessed  spirits  in  heavePj  whee 


&F  »SAL5rODr  3# 

saclj  judgmeiiis  were  executed.      But  by  ihe  future  rendering  of  the 
verily,  every  posdiible  objortion  is  precluded  at  once. 

Of  ihe  i^salms  which  n  l.itc  to  Israel,  some  are  employed  in  celebrat- 
ing the  m*rciefl  vouclL-afed  tlicm;  from  their  ^otng  forth  out  of  Eg^pt, 
to  tbeir  complete  geltlcment  iu  Canaan.  The^e  were  the  constant 
standing  sjibj^^ct?  of  pr-ii-sc  and  thnnk<:i;iving  in  the  Israelitish  church. 
13  it  we  are  taught  by  the  writers  of  the  New  Testament,  io  consider 
this  part  of  their  hi'itory  as  one  eonlinued  figure,  or  alb  gory.  We  ara 
told,  tijat  there  is  anotiier  spiritual  Isra'l  of  God;  other  children  of 
Abraham,  and  heirs  of  the  promise;  another  circumcision,  another 
Egypt,.tVom  tiic  Bondage  of  which  they  are  ledeemed;  another  wllder- 
n-ss,  through  which  they  journey ;  other  da:  gersai-d  difTiculties,  which 
there  await  them;  other  bread  from  heaven,  for  their  support;  afjd 
another  rock  to  supply  them  with  livinp;  wa:er;  other  enemi-^s.  toover- 
come;  another  kind  of  Canaan,  and  anot'iier  Jerusalem,  Avhjch  they  are 
to  obtan,  and  to  possess  forevr.  hi  the  same  liglit  are  Io  be  viewed 
the  variou-*  provocations  and  punishments,  captivities  and  restorations 
of  oKI  Israel  afterwards,  concerning  w  hich  it  is  likewise  true,  that  they 
•**}iap:iened  unto  litem  forensamples,"  types  or  figure-,  ^*and  were  writ- 
ten for  oar  admonition.'' 

What  is  said  in  I'ic  P.-alra'  occasionally  of  the  law  and  its  cereroa- 
nies,  sacrifices,  ablutions,  and  puriGcations;  of  the  tabernacle  and  tem- 
ple, with  the  services  therein  perArmed;  and  of  tlie  Aaronical  priest- 
ho'>f];  air  this  Christians  transfer  to  the  new  law;  to  the  oblation  of 
Christ;  to justit'ication  by  his  blood,  and  sanctification  by  his  Spirit;  to 
the  true  tabernacle,  or  temple, not  made  with  hands,  and  to  what  was 
therein  done  for  the  salvation  of  the  world,  by  Him  who  wa^,  in  one  re- 
i^pect,  a  sacrifice;  in  another,  a  Temple;  and  in  a  third,  an  High  Priest 
ibr  ever,  after  the  order  of  Melchisedeck.  That  such  was  the  inten- 
lion  of  tiiese  legal  Mgures,  is  declared  at  large  in  the  Epistle  to  the 
Jlobrews:  and  t'lcy  are  of  great  assistance  to  us  i.ow,  in  forming  our 
ideas  of  the  realities,  to  which  th*y  correspond.  "Uirder  the  Jewish 
oeconomy,"  says  the  excellent  Mr.  Pascal,  truth  appeared  but  in  tiijure ; 
in  heaven  it  is  open,  and  without  a  veil;  in  the  church  militant  iti*  so 
veiled,  as  to  be  yet  discerned  by  its  correspondence  to  the  figure.  As 
the  figure  was  first  built  upon  the  truth,  so  ti^e  truth  is  rrow  distinguish- 
able by  the  figure.**  The  variety  of  strong  expressions  used  by  David, 
in  tlie  nin'iteenth,  and  hundred  ^nd  nineteenth  Pi?alins,to  extol  the  en- 
liveninfif,  savinsj,  healing,  comforting  etficary  of  a  law,  which,  in  the 
letter  of  it,  wliether  ceremonial  or  moral,  without  pardon  and  grace, 
could  minister  nothing  b«t  condemnation, do  sufhciently  prove,  that  Da- 
vid understood  the  spirit  of  it,  which  was  the  gospel  itself.  And  ifanv, 
wiio,recited  those  Psalms,  had  not  the  same  idea,  it  was  not  the  fault  of 
tlio  Law,  or  of  the  Psalms  of  Moses,  or  of  David,  or  of  him  who  inspired 
both,  b!it  it  was  their  own;  as  it  is  that  of  the  Jews,  at  this  hour, 
^hough  their  prophecies  have  o<»w  been  fulfilled*  and  their  types  re«|r 


iZad.  *^}Jq  that  takes  his  estimate  of  the  Jewish  religion  from  liic 
fcjrossness  of  the  Jewish  multitude,"  as  thq.  last  cited  author  obpcivo^^, 
"rannot  fail  of  making  a  very  vvroug  judgment.  It  is  to  be  sought  for  in 
the  sacred  vvritings  of  the  prophets,  who  have  given  us  sutlkient  a^^rv- 
ance,  Ihat  the}' undorsloo^l  the  law  rot  accordirg  to  the  letter.  Our 
religion,  in  IiInc  numrer,  is  true  and  divine  in  the  gospels,  aiwl  in  the 
preaching  of  the  apostles;  but  it  appears  utterly  disfigured  in  these  who 
m^iim  or  corrupt  il.*'        ^ 

Besiecs  the  figures  supplied  by  the  children  cvf  Israe?,  and  by  the 
law,  tliere  is  another  set  of  images  often  employed  in  the  Psalms,  to 
describe  the  blessings  of  Redemption.  Thessf  are  borrowed  from  the 
natiu'al  world,  the  manner  of  its  original  production,  and  the  operations 
continually  carriecTon  in  it.  The  visible  v/oi-^  j  of  God  are  formed  to 
lead  us,  under  the  direction  of  his  Word,  to  a  t;nf-v'lcdge  of  those  which 
are  invisiblf*;  tliey  give  us  ideas,  by  analogy,  of  a  new  creation  rising 
grndually,  like  the  old  one,  out  of  darlniess  and  drr/brmity,  until  atlength 
it  arrives  at  the  perfection  of  glory  and  beauty:  so  that  vhile  we  praise 
the  Lord  for  nil  the  wonders  of  his  power,  wisdom,  and  love,  displaved 
in  a  sj^stem  wbi*'h  is  h^  wax  (Ad  and  perish,  we  may  therein  contem-t 
plate,  as  in  a  glass,  those  new  heavens,  and  that  ne\v  earth,  of  whose 
duration  there  shall  be  no  end.  The  sun,ttiat  fountain  of  life,  and  heart 
of  the  world,  that  bright  leader  of  the  .armies  of  heaven,  enthroned  in 
glorious  majesty;  tiie  moon  Binning  with  a  bistre  borrowed  from  his 
l)cams-  the  stars  glittering  by  night  in  the  clear  firmanent;  the  air  giv- 
ing brcatli  to  all  things  that  live  and  move,  llie  interchanges  of  liglit 
and  darkness;  the  course  of  the  year,  and  the  sweet  vicissitude  of  rea- 
sons; the  rain  and  the  dew  descending  from  above,  and  the  fruitfulness 
of  fhe  earth  cause<i  bv  them;  the  bow  bent  by  the  hands  of  the  Most 
High,  which  comji«ssetii  the  heaven  about  with  a  glorious  circle;  th6 
awful  voice  of  thunder,  and  the  piercing  power  of  lightning:  the  ini»- 
stincts  of  anirpals,  and  the  qualities  of  vegetables  and  minerals;  tlT© 
)5;reat  and  w^de  sea,  with  its  unnumbered  inhabitants;  all  these  are  ready 
to  iii.struct  usin  the  mvsterles  of  faith,  and  the  duties  of  moralit}*. 
They  spoak  iheit  Maker  as  they  can, 
Bnt  want  and  ask  the  fon«ne  of  rean.  Parcel. 

'^l^he  advantaores  of  Messiah's  reign  are  represented  in  some  of  the 
"Psalms  under  images  of  this  kind.  We  behold  a  renovation  of  all 
*in*ngs,  and  the  world,  as  it  were,  new  created,  breaks  forth  into  sing- 
^nor.  The  earth  is  crowned  with  sudden  verdure  and  fertilitj' ;  the  field 
^s  jovful,  and  all  that  is  in  it;  the  woods  rejoice  before  the  Lord;  the 
floods  cla])  their  hands  in  concert,  and  ocean  fills  up  the  mighty  chorus, 
*o  celebrate  the  advent  of  the  gieat  King. 

Similar  totlesr,  are  the  representations  of  spiritual  mercies  bitem- 
poral deliverances  from  sickness,  prison,  danger  of  perishing  in  storms 
at  Sea,  and  from  the  sundry  kinds  of  calamity  and  death,  to  which  the 
;i|>dy  of  xaan  is  subject;  as  also  by  scenes  of  domestic  felicity,  a.nd  hj  the 


OT   PSALAODY-  37 

.uuunshing;  sftatc  of  well  ordered  cornraiinities,  especially  that  of  Israel 
in  Canaan,  which,  whilft  the  benediction  of  Jehovah  rested  upon  it,  was 
a  picture  of  heaven  itself. 

The  Psalms,  which  remain,  are  such  as  treat,  in  plain  terms,  without 
figures  or  examples,  of  wisdom  and  folly,  ri<;hteousne3s  and  sin:  th^ 
happiness  produced  by  oiyo,  arwl  the  misery  cauj^d  by  the  othc'r;  of 
p.irlicular  virtues  and  vices;  ofthe  vanity  of  human  life;  of  tlic  attributes 
of  God;  of  that  patience  with  which  the  failliful  should  learn  to  bear 
t  ic  sight  of  wickedness  triumphant^  in  th's  world,  looking  forward  to 
the  day  of  final  retribution ;  and  subjects  of  the  like  nature. 

Let  us  ^op  for  a  moment  to  contemplate  the  true  character  of  these 
;g>icred  hj'mus. 

Greatness  confers  no  exemption  from  the  cares  and  sorrows  of  life. 
Its  share  of  them  frequently  bears  a  meUuchol v  •jiiufiurtiou  w  its  exal- 
i^alion.  This  thelsraelitish  moi  areh  cxpt^rienced.  He  sought  in  piety 
tbut  peace  wliich  he  could  not  find  in  empire,  and  alleviated  the  disquie- 
tudes of  slate  with  the  exercises  of  devotion. 

His  invaluable  Psalms  convey  those  comforts  toothers,  which  tfie^ 
afforded  to  himself.  Composed  upon  particular  occasions,  yet  designed 
for  general  use;  delivered  out  as  services  for  Israelites  under  the  la\y, 
yet  uo  less  adapted  to  the  circumstances  of  'Christians  under  the  gospel; 
they  preseiit  religion  to  us  in  tbe  most  engaging  dress;  cottimunicating 
truth  which  jxlnlosophy  could  never  investigate,  in  a  style  which  potftry 
•can  never  equal:  while  history  is  made  the  vehicle  of  Prophecy,  and 
creations  lends  all  its  c-iarms  to  paint  the  glories  of  Redemption.  Cal- 
culated . alike  to  profit,  and  to  please,  they  inform  the  understanding, 
elevate  the  affections,  and  entertain  the irn agination.  Indited  under  the 
inf^.uence  of  Iljm,  to  whom  all  hearts  ace  known,  and  all  events  fore- 
known, tJiey  ^uit* mankind  in  all  situations,  (grateful  as  the  manna 
-which  desceVided  from  above,  and  conformed  itself  to  ev(?r\'  palate. 
The  fairest  productions  of  human  wit,  afteroi  few  perusals,  like  gather- 
ed flowers,  wiiii^:  in  our  hands,  and  lose  their  fragancy;  but  the^  un- 
fadin^plants  of  pai  ^dise  become,  as  we  are  accustomed  to  them,  stiH 
more  and  more  beauliful;  their  bloom  appears  to  be  daily  heightened; 
fresh  odours  are  emined,  and  new  sweets  extracted  from  them.  He 
who  hath  once  tasted  their  excellencies,  will  desire  to  Lastc  them  again; 
^d  he  who  tastes  them  oftenest,  will  relish  ihem  best.*'  ^  ^ 

EXTRACT 

FROM    THE 

CHRISTIAN  REMEMBRAXCER. 

The  first  of  all  earthly  singers  gave  this  as  an  inspired  rule;  'sing  ye 
'i?c?-\vitli  understaudintf.  •     Without  spiriluril  iindcrttfinding  we  can 


V 

€>r)ly  make  a  norse.  Unless  we  know  how  deeply  we  afe  indebieJ  ffr 
God,  and  have  the  sweet  sense  of  his  goodnef?^  in  our  souls,  we  nay 
jpl^ease  ourselves  .with  a  tuue,  but  wcNield  no  music  to  him.  Sonm'  of 
lald,  '^chanted  to  (he  sound  o^*  the  viol^'  and  'invented  to  ihemselver:  in- 
struments of  music;'  but,  at  the  same  time,  they  were  amorig  those, 
'who  were  'at  ease  in  Zion^'  and  who  put  'far  away  the  €Vil  da},'  t^ 
whom  'woe'  wa*  denounced.  God  u^v<)r  instituted  music  in  his  ser- 
vice, however,  like  other  carnal  ordinances  he  might  bear  with  it  un- 

]or  the  Jewish  economy;  hut  only  trumpets  and  rams'  horns,  to  usher 

■7  the  seasons  and  solemnities.  it  is  spiritual  harinoiiy  which  is  the 
deli^jht  of  heaven,  and  not  outward  jingle  and  sounci;  and  therefore,  if 
we  are  not  spiritual,  we  can  have  no  true  notion  of  this  delight,  noi' 
*make  nielody  in  our  hearts  to  the  Lord  .'^  The  thiiiU  of  music  a' d 
the  divine  joy^  or  tne  soul,  are  very  ditfererit  things.^  Worldly  mt-n 
&rcve  had  the  tirsf,  and"  thought  them  from  iiertven;  but  they  coiitinued 
no  longer  than  the  aourid ;  while  the  peace  of  gracious  praise,  is  iull, 
sjblime,  and  abiding.  We  must  indeed,  he  reaJ  Christians  before  any 
of  us  can  say  with  the  apostle,  '1  will  prfly  with  the  Spikit,  arrd  I  will 
pray  with  the  understanding  als<5:  I  will  slngvvitli  the  Spirit,  ai  d  I  wilf; 
sing  with  the  understanding  alr-o.' 

I  cannot  but  shake  my  head,  whe'i  f  hear  an  officer  of  the  chureir 
Galling  upon  the  per>p!e,  ''to  sing  to  the  piaise  and  giory  of  God ^''  and 
immediately  half  a  dozen  merry  men,  in  a  hi^h  ph-ce  shailtake  uptl.e 
matter,  and. most  loudly  chant  i'  away  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  them- 
selves. The  tune  perhaps  shall  be  loo  difficult  for  the  most  pait 
of  the  congregation,  who  h^we  no  leisure  to^study  crotchets  and  qua- 
Ters;  and  so  the  most  deliglitful  of  all  public  worship  shnll  be  wrested 
tram  them,  and  tlie  praises  of  God  taken  out  of  their  mouths.  It  is  i\& 
mattar  whence  this  custom  arose:  In  itself  it  is  neitheir  holy,  decent, 
nor  useful,  and  th^refoic,  ought  to  be  banished  <2,ntiicly  from  the 
churches  of  God, 

When  Ciuis^tinns  sing  altogether  in  some  easy  tune,  accommodated 
iky  the  wor«ls  of  their  praise,  and  not  likely  to  take  ©ffthe  attention  from 
-criSc  to  sound  ;  then,  experience  shews,  they  sing  nrmst  lustily  (  as  the 

'salarkisi  expresses  it)  and  with  the  best  good  'courage.'  The  sym- 
phony- of  voice  and  the  sympathy  of  heart  may  flow  through  the  whole 
i'ongrc^adon,  whit:h  is  the  finest  music  to  truly  serious  persons,  and 
fhc  most  acceptable  to  God,  of  any  in  the  world.  To  'sing  with  grace 
m  their  hearts  to  the  Lord,-  is  the  melody  of  heaven  itself;  and  often 
h!ifigs  a  foreta*4<3"Df  heaven  to  the  redeemed  even  here.  But  jingFe, 
piping  sound,  and  singing,  withoqt  this  divine  accompanyment,  are  gra- 
Jintj:  discordant  harshness  with  God,  and  vapid  wretched  insipidity  t» 
50  the  souls  of  his  people. 

I  am  no  enemy  to  nrusic  as  an  human  art,   but  let  all   things  be    in 

iieir  plac*e.     The  pleasures  of  the  ear  are    not  the    gracious   acts  of 
>i".^  Spirit  in  tli^  sou!:  but  the  effect  6f  vibrated  matter  upon  anoi\^' 


oJ  FAITH  AN1>  JCSTIFICATIO!^  ,^ 

■Ward   sense.     This  inn)    \c   inJulgcd    as  an  junocciit   aud   ijj|<cnioi>« 

amusement;  l>ut   what  have  our  amusements   to  do  with  ?olefrn  lu. 

«acr#(J   a.iorations  of  Go  1? — \A^oald    not  this  be  carnal,  and   after  (!i. 

inoiles  of  the  world,  and  not  al(»  r   Chtist?     Surely,   no  behevervi! 

venture  to  call  any  thing  spiritual,  whieh  dolli  not   [)roc(u*(l  from  the 

S^rit  of  life,  or  tend  to  'niortifv  the  ol.d  man  witli  his  alVections  and 

lu^f^:^.' 

X.Mther  so'in'hof  air,  nor  words ofisense,  alone,  however  oxceTleTr 
ran  please  Goii. — ••He  is  a  Spirit;  and  they    who  wors.'iip    hin),    mu 

worship  him  i'l  spirit  and  in  truth;"  for  such  ^*he  scel^L'th." 

Lord,  help  mo,  I  b- seocR  thee,  thus  to  love  and  adore,  thee!  Give 
me  a  lively  sense  of  tiy  mercy,  to  my  so«il;  and  then  my  sou]  .shall  of- 
fer up  h»r  gracious  r«itunis  of  livf;ly  praise.  Sacridce  and  burnt  oiTt;f- 
ing  thou  re;|uire3t  not,  for  no  oatward  thing  even  of  thine  own  appoint- 
rae»t,  when  not  invardly  understood,  can  please  thee,  the  music  of  my 
voice  withoQt  tiie  incense  or  breathing  of  my  soul,  thou  will  i>ot  ac- 
cept: O  assist  me  thrn,  to  pi^ise  thee  aright;  for,  without  thee,  J  can 
do  nothing.  Tiiou  alone  gi vest-occasion  to  praise;  and  thou  also  giv- 
est  the  Spirit  of  praise  to  us'^.*  the  occasion,  ^'ouchsafe  bojh  unto  me. 
Then  shall  I  on^e  day  join  in  the  great  "assembly  of  the  lirst  horn,  whose: 
namesare  written  in  heaven,"  and  sing  "with  joy  unspeakable  and  fuil 
of  glory,"  That  ever  new  song,  ^-Salvation  to  our  God  who  sittt  ik 
upon  the  throne,  and  to  the  Lamb!  Amen  Blessing,  and  glory,  and 
wisdom,  arid  thaaksgiving,  and  honor,  and  power,  and  ralghf,  be  unto 
our  God  [or  ever  and  ever."  A.T^cnl 

AN  ACT 
^  Cojicerniyig  Faith  and  JztsfiJicaJic^Tt. 

Passted  June  12th,  1798, 

THE  .Ministers  aJid  Eldejs,  in  Synod  assembled,  finding  (Imt  dan- 
gerous errors  are  entertained ^nd  propagated  concerning  the  doctriff^ 
of  saving  faith,  and  of  justification;  feel  it  their  duty  to  declare,  ;;n5 
by  Uiisact  they  do  declare,  what  they  conceive  the  holy  scriptures  to 
teach  on  these  important  points,  chieily  aslhcyare  at  present  perveil- 
ed  or  opposed. 

I.   Of  the  APPEOPRiATiox  and  assurance  of  faith. 

Faith,  in  its  general  idea,  is  assent  to,  and  reliance  on,  lestimoiiy, 
I(s  pecnliarcharacter  mutt  arise  from  the  testimony  on  whitli  it  is 
(otridcd.  That  divine  faith,  tjiercfore,  by  which  aloi.e  sinners  are  sav- 
ed, must  be  an  assent  to,  and  reliance  on,  the  Divine  testimony,  as  ex 
hibited  in  the  written  word.  The  gospel  is  expressly  termed'the  >•< - 
cord  or  test imnny  wJiich  God i^avc  uf  his  Sin;  and  faith  a  beliciin^o, 
tjiis record,  1  Jghnv,  10.     In   perie^t  harmony    y^\i\\  t^o  smptures. 


lis  general  character,  its  special  oflicc, and  its  true  r?nd  oiJy  wfiiidr)'; 
are  compre'jended  iti  the  coijcise  at:d  correct  definition  or  thp  ^ihorte^f 
catechism.  ^^ Fa i ih  iji  Jesus  Chrisf  is  a  saving  grote^  rvherehy  we  tc- 
ceive  and  rest  upon  him  alone  jar  .iahution^  «•?  lie  is  freely  offered  to  \is  iri 
tJiegospcL'^'' 

1.  In  its  gx^neral  cl  iracter,  vtdrich  i'  has  tn  eomir.on  with  otlicr  benc- 
bLs  of  the  covenant,  it  is  said  to  be  a  sAVfNo  grace. 

A  ^-/ace  or  a  free  gift;  an  uiiinerilGd  tavor;  It  is  t/ir  gift  of  Goff^ 
Eph.  ii,  8-y  and  thiit  both  in  its  prii  ciple  and  in  its  exercises.  Chris- 
tians believe  even  as  the  Lord  GivKTri  to  every  rnon^  \  Cor.  nu  5.  And 
it  is  he  "^vho  deals  oal  to  every  7)iantl:e  mkasure  of  faith  ^  i»orp.  xii.  Si 

A  grace — being  purclwised  for  us   by  Christ's   j-rt  cious    bloody    and 
freely  bestowed  on  us  for  his  sake.     }l  is  given  unto  ?;.'?   In- the   behalf  o-t 
.  Christs  to  belUve  vnhim^  l^UW.  \,  20i 

A  grace — because  it  is  wrought  in  the  heart  of  a  sinner  by  the  frc6 
Spirit  of  God,  through  the  instrameiUality  of  the  word.  For  this  rea- 
T^on  he  is  called  the  sfikit  6f  faith,  2  C^.  iv.  13;  and  the  people  of 
God  believe  according  to  the  working  of  lus  mighty  jo  web,  rrkirh,  hy 
the  Spirit,  he  tcroiight  in  Christy  when  he  raided  hiw  from  the  dead-end 
set  him  at  his  own  right  hand  in  the  hcavenlTj  places,  Eph,  i.  19,  20. 
And  this  faith,  so  produced,  eomelh  hy  hearing,  and  heariv.g  by  the 
word  fo  God,    Rom.  x.  17. 

This  faith  sarts.  As  its  orio;in  is  grace,  so  its  issue  is  satvation  from 
$in  and  from  wrath,,  both  here  and  hereafter.  He  that  believeth  shali 
hs  saved,  Mar::  xvi.  16;  /ip  hath  everlasting  tife^  Jo-hn  vt.  47:  end  shal^ 
not  come  into  condenHnation,  John  v.  24;  but  shall  receive  the  end  oj 
his  faith,  even  thr  salvation  of  his  soul,  1  Pet.  i.  9. 

2.  The  sjjecial  office  o{  faith  is  to  receive,  and  rest  upon  Christ  alone 
fo-r  aahation.  But,  in  orde.r  to  have  jast  views  04*  this  part  of  the  sub- 
ject, we  are  previously  to  consider  tlie  true  and  only  warrant  offaitb^ 
vp'hich  is- the  free  offer  of  Christ  to  w.s-  in  tie  gospel. 

•Ml  that  is  necessary  for  elucidating  this  point  1x133^  be  siimmed  up  irj 
■fjfe  following  propositions. 

1st  Goxl  hath  made  a  grant  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,  as  an  all-sufD- 
cient  Saviour,  to  a  lost  and  perishing  world.  He  hath  not  mcrely.re- 
vealed  a  general  knowledge  of  him^  hut  has  directly  and  solemnly  given 
V\m  to  sinners,  as  such,  th^t  they  may  he  saved.  '  God  so  lazed  the  vcorld 
thai  he  gave  his  onhj  hugottci  Son,  /hatrrknsocvfrbelicifth  in  him  should 
no:,  pcrzsh,  but  hove  everlaslin!^  life,  John  lii    IG. 

2(lly.  Thisgif;  hrbsohdely  frre;  indepejulent,  in  rvory  pos'^ible  man- 
/)rr,  0:1  the  v/orthiness  or  good  riuaKiirs  of  men  Th.'s  is  cs>enii.d  tir 
the  very  nature  ol  his  gift.  ReJc;ntnion  -.rovgh  *h,  hhod  of  Chrisf  is 
according  totheric'us  of  h\s  p-trce,  l-'ph.  i,  7.  //  is  rifaithfid  saying: 
coal  roorth^/  of  alt  accrptati.n,  that  Ckri.f  Jesus  .a.ne  ^nto'h.i^ndd  fo  ^^1% 
■Jirch>ffrJ&in?rr^,  y  T^m.  i.  i,j 


Ot    PAITII    AND    JCSTlFICATrOV* 


4i 


^f\W.  This  e;lfi  is  iiuliscriminatcly  to  all  Ihc  hoarrrs  of  the  i2;osp( ,, 
bncl  to  every  one  (  f  Ihern  in  pnrf  icuiar.  I'Jifo  ns^.  r/ii/c/  ,  //orfi:  vnlo 
us  a  San  is  ^riv*  n,  Isa.  ix.  G.  T/ie  word  is  a/-/'  ihce,  eim  in  ihy  mod/t^ 
ttnd  if  thine  heart;  thai  is  the  word  of  faith  which  we  preach  :  Thai  if 
thou  ^halt  conffst  villi  thy  mouth  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  ^hall  iclicve  in 
thhir  heart,  that  God  haVli  raised  him  from  thr  dra.',  thon  •//',//  /e  nvcf, 
Rom.  X.  e,  9.  No  sins,  hmv-  ver  enormous  or  aggravated,  hi  ••  ■  auy 
fiinner  beyond  the  reach  of  this  liberal  jrpant.  TI)C  very  terms  in  which 
it  is  conveyed  s.uppose  the  ohjects  of  it  to  be  unbelievinsj,  unriuihteous, 
and  even  obstinate  in  triinsgression.  God  gave  his  only  ifesFotlen  >  /i, 
that  7.diosn'V^r  believolh  o>t  /lini  mi^ht  not  prrieh;  manifestly  ir.plying, 
that  they  to  whom  he  is  g;iven  are  nnl)cliever?i.  The  Lord  Cl.ris't, 
whose  invitalion  to  sinners  inuslbc  grounded  on  the  Fatner's  gift  of  liim 
as  the  covenant  of  the  people,  ihiiS  addressL-b  them:  Jleurkcn  unto  «if, 
ye  stout' h'.arted,  th  it  areiavfrotn  righteom^mi. ,  behold,  J  bring  a:  ar  rrif 
rishieoHcUcss^  Isi    xlvi.  12,  13. 

The  Saviour  thus  given,  Cod  hath  mndc  it  the  duty  of  cveiy  one 
V'ho  hears  the  gospel  to  accept,  that  he  may  be  saved:  and  he  cannot 
reject  the  gift  but  at  the  peril  of  his  soul.  Ths  is  (he  commandment 
of  God,  that  ive  should  believe  on  the  name  of  his  Son  Jesi/s  Christ,  1 
John  iii.  23. 

Now,  the  divine  command  requiring  all  llic  hearers  of  the  gospel  to 
receive  llui  Lord  Jesus  for  salvation,  it  is  uianiKst,  tlint  he  is  freelv 
given,  in  the  gospid  oiTpr,  to  every  one  of  tliem  in  particular.  More- 
over, all  the  hearers  of  the  gospel  are  either  bfdievers  or  unbelievers. 
That  Christ  was  oifered  to  bolievers  is  evident  from  the  fart,  that  they 
have  received  him,  and  an;  saved  by  him.  And  that  he  is  offered  t'>  un- 
believers isnoless  evident,  because  they  will  he  condemned  for  their  un 
b'^.lief.  Hi-  that  bclievpfh  not  is  condemned  already,  because  he  Jiaih  not 
hdi^vcd  in  tJie  name  (f  the  only  brgntien  son  of  God,  John  iii.  IS  But 
the  righteou-  Lor  i,  wlio  loveth  righteousness,  will  not  condemn  sinners 
for  rejer'ting  an  oflTer  wliich  was  never  made. 

From  all  this  it  res'.dts,  thd  ^.■od  hath  laid,  in  his  word,  a  f.rm  foun- 
dalio'i  tor  tlie  fi\ith  of  sinners — that  tliey  have  his  own  xrorrant.  and 
therefore  a  perfect  rigltl^  to  take  the  Lord  Jesus,  in  all  his  grace  and  ful- 
ness, for  their  own  salvation  m  particular. 

Now,  as  leaving  faith  mvist  correspond  boti,  with  the  warrant  of  the 
divine  tes.imony,  and  with  the  right  to  an  offered  Saviour  whicli  that 
warrant  creates,  it  is  properly  asserted  to  be  a  recf^iving  QiV\i\  re.sting-tipon 
Christ  alonr.for  satvrition,  as  he  is  freely  offered  to  us  i)i  the  i^ospct. 

It  is  to  be  carefully  noted,  that  the  true  arul  only  object  of  faith  is  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself,  set  forth  and  given  to  sinners  «7.v  suc.'i,  in  the 
free  promise  of  the  gospel:  and  that,  in  believing,  we  receive  and  rest 
upon  him,  and  uj^on  him  alone,  in  all  those  relations,  for  all  those  ends, 
and  in  that  manner  which  the  divine  testimony  exhibits^  and  thus  *f/  to 
our  seal  that  God  '">'  true. 


^2  OF    FAITH    AKD    -TU-TlFICATlO^fr 

This  rcceivina:  of  Christ,  and  resting  upon  him,  are  asually  termed  the 
appropriation  and  rssurance  of  faith.  B}  the  forn^er  we  take  the  Lord 
Jesus,  who  is  ours  in  the  general  grant,  to  he  ours  in  personal  possession. 
By  the  latter,  we  trust  in  him  t  at  we  shall  be  saved;  believing,  thaf 
whatever  he  did  for  any  of  the  human  race,  he  did  fort/,9;and  thatvvhat- 
ever  God  hath  promised  to  his  people,  shall  be  performed  unto  us. 
These  are  not  to  he  considered  asdillercnt  acts,  but  as  esscnliai  proper- 
ties, of  the  grace  of  faith.  And  that  they  arc  essential  to  it,  is  most 
demonstrable. 

First,  then;  Apprcprialiim  of  the  Lord  Jesus  to  ourselves,  for  our  owrr 
salvation  in  particular,  is  essential  to  saving  faith — For, 

1.  Without  such  an  appropriation  fiiilh  could  not  answer  to  its  war^ 
rant  in  the  divine  testimony;  which,  as  hath  been  proved,  tenders  Christ 
to  every  one  in  particular;  nor  to  the  authority  of  the  divine  con?mand, 
which  requires  every  one  in  particular  to  take  him  thus  tendered. 

'2.  Without  such  an  appropriation  there  would  be  no  material  differ- 
ence hetwccn  the  faiih  of  God's  people,  and  that  of  hypocrites  or  devils. 
Both  may  believe,  in  general,  that  Christ  died  for  siane.s,  that  God  is 
in  him,  reconciling  the  world  unto  himself;  that  he  is  able  to  save  siiv- 
riers,  and  that  many  shall  be  saved  by  him.  Mere  assent  to  the  abstract 
truth  of  the  gospel  does  not  and  cannot  imply  any  complacency  or  in- 
terest in  the  salvation  which  ib  reveals.  But  that  faith  which  may  be 
found  in  the  devils  and  the  damned  can,  in  no  sense,  be  saving  faith. 

3.  The  condemnation  of  the  law  is  particular.  Ctn^sed  is  every  one 
iJmt  continucth  not  in  all  ihir.s,s  ichich  are  ivrillen  in  the  haak  of  ike  law 
to  do  ihem,  Gal.  iii.  10-.  When  the  Holy  Ghost  convinces  of  sin,  the 
sinner  sees  himself,  in  particular,  &hutup  under  the  curse.  ''TIiok  art 
the  man,'^  says  the  violated  law,  "•^7  am  the  maji,''  replies  his  awakeued 
conscience.  Nor  is  it  possible  that  he  should  have  peace  or  safety  till 
Iht'  blood  of  Ohrlst  purge  his  conscience,  and  he,  for  himself,  be  deiiv- 
fired  from  the  curse.  Therefore  if  there  were  not,  in  believing,  a  par- 
ticular a}>plication  of  Christ  to  the  soul,  the  curse  of  the  law  Vv^ould  be 
more  efficacious  to  destroy  tiian  the  blood  of  Christ  to  save. 

4.  Salvation  is  particular.  A  senteiice  of  justification  mu^t  pass 
upon,  and  a  work  of  sancsification  be  wrou'gh:  in,  cvfti/  one  ^».ho  shall  see 
the  kingdom  of  God-  But  justification,  and  sanctification.  and  whatever 
else  belongs  to  the  salvation  of  the  gospel,  (iow  unto  us  only  in  and 
through  Cbv'st  Jesus  And  as  we  receive  his  benefits  in  believing,  as 
thev  cannot  be  separated  from  himself;  and  as  they  are  all  communicat- 
ed by  pai  ticular  application  to  our  souls,  it  is  evident  that  the  faith  which 
emhr-ices  liim.  and  with  hi'ii  hiS  btjnonts,  is  a  faith  o?  particular  appro- 
priilioa.  Hi-:  is  made  of  God  tint}  us  lalsdom,  ami  rightcousmss^  and 
son  iif  cat  to  it,  end  redemption^  i  Cor.  i.  30. 

5'.  The  experiencf  of  God"?  people,  as  it  is  described  in  his  word, 
proves  th;t  iheir  faith  is  an  appropritiiiri;  faith .  VVhctrer  thev  re- 
joice \i\  the  lij^ht,  or  mourn  under  the  hidings,  of  his  countenance,  tho^ 


01    FAITH    AND    JUSTrPICATIOS.  ^ 

eriiiillv  claim  him  na  their  Cod,  even  ll»eir  own  God.  1  will  love  Ihee, 
6  Lord,  7717/  <troiif;lh.  The  Lord  is  7nf/  rock,  and  772^  forircss  ai:d 
my  deliverer;  7ny  Go  J,  mi/  strength,  i"  wlioin  I  will  tru>t;  mi/  bucU- 
Ur,  and  the  horn  ol  /?<//  j-atvation,  and  mf/  hii^h  tower,  PsaUn  xviii.  1, 
2  Thou  art  the  Go  J  of  ;/2,y  strenofi:  Why  dost  thou  cast  mc  oil'.' 
^Vhy  r^o  I  mournii»g  beratise  of  tlic  opnr"Si-ioi)  of  ihe^  enemy?  O  send 
outlhv  li^'ht  and  thv  trutli-  Then  will  /  tro— unto  God  ?niy  exccedit.g 
jov.  Veaj  upon  the  harp  will  I  praise  tliee,  O  God,  ?/iy  God,  Ps.  xliii. 
2,  a,  4. 

(3.  The  scripture  contimially  ascribes  this  appropriation  to  faith.  It 
is  iliustrnted  by  fij^^urcs,  than  wliich  nothing;  ran  more  stroi  gly  mark  its 
appropriatinq;  quality.  It  receives  the  Lord  Je-us,  as  a  gift,  John  i.  12 
— puts  him  oa,  as  a  garment,  Horn  xiiT.  14~lleesto  him,  as  a  rcfui^e, 
< — lays  hohl  ol  him,  as  a  hope,  Heb.  vi.  IG — claims  him,  as  a  portio'i, 
Lam.  iii.  24— fc^ed^s  upon  him,  as  the  living  bread  which  came  down 
from  heaven,  John  vi,  ol.  This,  indeed,  is  the  very  life  of  a  hflu-vfr't 
soul;  the  fountain  of  his  hope,  his  peace,  his  consolation,  that'Christ  ii 
his  Saviour,  and  God,  in  Christ,  his  covenant  God. 

Second/}/.  In  believinp^,  we  not  only  appropriate  the  Lord  Jc>us  t( 
ourselves;  but<ire  persuaded,  tluit  whatever  he  did  for  the  salvation  o; 
siiiners  he  did  for  lis:  and  that  wh  .tever  God  h^th  promised  to  hii 
p/^ople,  shall  b'3  performed  to  us.  This  persuasion  is  the  assuruna 
of  faith,  and  is  inseparable  from  it. 

1  .  Faith,  being  an  assent  to,  and  reliance  on,  testimony,  rcFpccti 
nothing  but  the  veracity  of  the  testifier.  It  is  this  which  distinguishci 
it  from  all  other  prmciples,  and  which  is  essential  'o  every  kisd  of  it,  ii 
every  de»^ree,  and  under  every  circumstance.  Now  the  testimony  o 
the  living  G')d  hath  set  forth  the  Lord  Jesus  as  a  propitiation  througl 
laith  in  his  blood.  Tiiere  can  be  no  medium  between  receiving  him  hj 
f.iith,  and  rejectinic  liim  by  unbelief:  and  in  believing,  we  can  believ< 
noUiing  but  what  God  hath  testified,  because  this  is  the  sole  ground  o 
our  faith.  But  he  hath  testified,  that  whatever  Ciirist  did  as  a  Savi 
our,  he  did  for  them  v/iio  receive  him;  and  that,  to  them,  and  everv  ooi 
of  ihem,  all  the  exceeding  great  and  preciou?  promises  shall  certainf 
he  accomjili-hed.  I  cannot,  therefore,  cast  my  soul  upon  Christ  fo 
salvation,  without  believirg  the  divine  testimony:  and  this  assures  mi 
that,  as  a  believer,  I,  in  particular,  shall  be  savid  ;  so  that  my  faith,  roi 
rc"5ponding  with  God's  testimony,  necessarily  includes  a  persuasion  0 
my  own  salvation  in  particular. 

2.  In  the  scripture,  faith  is  uniformly  oppo-ed  to  doubting.  If  yi 
have  faith,  and  doubt  not,  Matt.  xxi.  21.  O  thou  of  little  faith,  wh^rr 
fore  did^tlhou  doubt?  RLitt*.  xiv.  31.  If  a  man  lack  wisdom,  let  bin 
a«k  of  God — but  let  him  ask  in  faith,  nothing  wavering,  .James  i.  5,6 
hut  doubting  bring  the  want  of  assurat  ce,  and  being  the  reverte  c 
faith,  assurance  is  necessarily  of  the  essence  of  faith. 

'^.   Tiie  testimony  of  God's  word  to  this  property  of  faith  is  cles] 


44.  OT    FAITH    AND    JUSTIi^TCATlili. 

And  decisive.  It  forms  the  chief  part  of  the  nefinitlon  wliicli  tke  Holy 
Ghost  has  give:..  Now  failh  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  lor;  the 
evidence  of  things  not  seen.*  We  are  exhorted  to  draw  nigh  to  the 
holiest  of  ai!,  with  true  hearts,  and  in  the  full  assurance  of  faitl^',  FJeb. 
X.  22.  Where  the  ^ruth  contended  for  is  doubly  established,  (1.)  By 
direct  assertion  ; 'nhe  assurance  of  faith,"  i.  r.  the  assurance  which  he- 
longs  to  faith;  or  else  tf  e  <'Xpression  is  de«t5(ute  of  meaninE;.  (2.)  By 
allo'viuL'  degrees  in  this  assurance — "tlieyi///assuranccof  fait.h.  Wheh 
implies  the  existence  of  the  assurance  itself:  /or  a  thing  which  has  i.o 
beins:  cannot  have  degrees  of  being.  .The?c  passages  alone,  and  espe- 
cially in  connection  with  others,  which  represent  faith  as  building  on 
Christ  the  foundation,  Kph.  ii.  20 — trusting  in  hfni,  Fph.  i.  V2,  13 — 
resting,  Ps.  xxxvii.  7,  and  leaning, Song,  viii.5,  on  him,  do  fully  prove 
that  assurance  is  of  the  nature  of  faiih. 

4.  The  fruits  of  fiith  do  also  bespeak  assurance.  Believers  have 
peace  in  their  consciences— they  are  freed  from  (he  dominion  of  sin — 
thev  overcome  the  world — they  receive  from  the  fulness  of  Christ  Jesus 
— they  mind  the  things  of  the  Spirit,  &c.  AU  these  blessings  are  the. 
subject  of  promise,  and  are  et  joyed  only  in  the  way  of  believing  the 
promise.  But  how  can  he  believe  the  promise  vi^ho  has  no  cor  fideficc 
in  it?  And  how  can  a  sinner  have  relief  from  the  terrors  of  the  law^ 
HoTv  can  hiseidigh'ened  conscience  be  pacified?  Much  more,  hc^  can 
he  walk  in  newness  of  life,  unless  he  bt  persuaded  that  l:e,  in  pttticu- 
lar  is  reconcile*d  to  God  ;  that  he  in  particular  shall  be  saved  :  and  Ui  less 
he  renose  his  soul  upon  the  faithfulness  of  God  in  Christ,  who  hath  prom- 
ised to  do  to  him  and  for  him  fa  r  more  abundantly  than  he  can  ask  or  think? 

Against  this  doctrine  of  faith  it  cannot  be  justly  objected,  "ihat  it  re- 
"quires  every  one  who  hears  the  gospel  to  believe  that  Christ  died  for 
<*him  in  particular,  and  thus  terminates  in  the  error  of  universal  re- 
"demption." 

This  ''.onsequpnce  is  avoided  by  a  very  plain  and  important  distinc- 
tion between  faith  as  a  general  duly,  and  as  a  spe<  ial  grace.  /  s  a  gen- 
eral dutv,  it  is  tobelic've  assuredly  on  the  testimony  of  God,  who  cannot 
lie,  thit  Christ  J<^sus  is  freely  given,  in  the  gospel  ofTer,  to  me  in  par- 
ticul'ir;  and  to  tak^  '  im  to  rrvvsf  If,  as  the  Father's  gift,  for  my  own  par- 
ticular salvation;  persuaded,  in  thus  receiving  hiin,  that  1  shall  be  ^.iv- 
ed.  It  is  this  receivirL-  of  Christ  which  converts  the  indefinite  promise 
of  salvation  to  believers,  into  a  promise  of  salvation  to  me  in  particular; 
and  without  this  appropriation  of  Christ,  none  have  a  right  to  con- 
clude that  be  died  for  them,  ar»d  that  thry  shall  be  saved. — As  a  special 
frace,  f lith  does  actually  receive  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  thus  binds  the 
divine  faithfulness  to  the  particular  salvation  of  him  who  believes:  so 
that  he  may  warrantably  sny^  and  ought  to  be  persuaded,  and,  in  some 


Tlob.  xi    I.     The  oriecinal  word  rendered  >'Cvidonrc,^  signifies  demonstration,-*- ^^r'*^ 
gviai^at  which  forbids  repljv 


or  I 


JLSTinCATION'.  *5 


mcasart,  i3  pcrr^.ii:i"l"'J*  that  wlintever  Christ  did  for  sinner?,  lie  did  foi 
him;  ai  I  'vh;itcvcr  Gv>d  tiath  promised  to  his  peoide,  shall  be  arcom- 
pli'iii'^d  lO  p.  I  in. 

Nor  can  it  b"  o'.jfcled,  that  "this  doctrine  of  faith, representing  true 
^believcr-i  as  af  ail  times  u.idouhtedlj  assiirrd  of  their  own  ^raciouE 
♦•stale,  »«  inron-isteiit  with  chrislian  eKperiencf,  and  with  the  ♦  ncoftT- 
"agcm«.M»tsh-  Id  r>rth  in  scripture  to  t!iose  who  lahour  u».d  •  (hmhts  •  ri 
**(ears;  and  fe'ids  to  make  sad  the  hearts  of  ihosC  whom  God  nath  not 
*^ mad (^.  sad." 

The  question  is  not  coiiCt:irnin|E;  a  believer's  opinions  of  his  state, 
which  are  influenced  not  only  by  his  faith,  but  by  his  feelings,  by  temp- 
tations, bv  corruplious,  and  especially  by  unbelief;  but  concerninp;  the 
nature  of  his  faith  itself  That  this  is  sometimes  strong,  sometimes 
weak;  vea,  so  woak  that  he  eannot  discern  its  opr;r.itions,  andeven  dis- 
putes its  existence,  is  mostcertaiiu  But  faith  he  has  notwithstanding. 
His  beins;  unconscious  of  it  at  the  time,  does  no  .  lore  prove  the  want  of 
it,  ^lian  unconsciousness  of  the  vital  motions  of  t!ie  body  proves  a  state 
of  dejth.  Though  his  faith  be  small  as  a  grain  of  mustard  seed,  and 
feeble  as  the  first  motion  of  embryo-lif  •,  it  is  esscntiallv  the  same  with, 
the  br.inching  tree,  and  with  the  active  energv  of  a  perfect  man.  It  is, 
therefjr^,  as  really  opoosed  to  everv  kind  of  doubting  in  its  faintest,  as 
in  its  na.^t  vigorous  exercise.  The  ''itTerence  lies  only  in  degree, 
DoubLing  believers  there  are;  Ixit  doubting  faith  there  cannot  be.  la 
80  fiir  as  a  believer  doubts,  he  is  under  tiie  power  of  unbelief;  for  be 
his  dar!  ness  and  his  fears  what  they  may,  they  prevail  cxactlv  in  the 
same  })Foportion  as  his  faith  fails.  A  doub^ting  faith,  then,  is  equiva- 
lent to  an  unbelieving  faith;  or,  which  is  the  same  thing,  a  believing 
unbelif.f  But  this  is  a  contradiction.  It  is,  therefore,  undeniable, 
that,  in  the  midst  of  conflict  and  dejection,  the  believer  does,  and  can- 
not but  trust,  and  thit  for  liimself,  in  the  mercy  and  faithfulness  of  hie 
covenant-God.  This  is  evinced  to  others,  and  may  be  evinced  to  the 
satisfaction  of  his  own  soul,  by  his  clinging  to  the  Lord  Christ  as  his  on- 
ly hope;  and  by  his  horror  at  the  thought  of  relinquishing  his  claim  to 
Ihe  promises,  and  to  tlie  living  God  as  his  j)ortion.  Poor  as  he  may 
call  his  hope,  he  would  not  barter  it  for  millions  of  worlds.  This  be- 
speaks a  trust,  and  that  not  a  slcnrler  one,  in  the  Lord's  promise,  in 
Christ,  for  personal  salvation;  and  this  trust  is  precisely  the  assurance 
asserted  as  essential  to  saving  faith. 

It  would  greatly  conduce  to  clear  views  of  this  subject,  were  the  dis- 
tinction between  the  assurance  of  f'm'lh^  and  the  assurance  of  \rn^f^  right- 
ly understood  and  inculcated.  When  we  speak  of  a  surance  as  essen- 
tial to  faith,  many  suppose  we  teach  that  none  can  be  real  christians  who 
do  not  feel  that  they  have  passed  from  death  unto  life;  and  have  not 
unclouded  and  triumphant  views  of  their  own  interest  in  Ciirist,  so  as  lo 
say,  under  the  mrtnife^fatlou.s  of  his  love,  *'my  h.doved  is  mine,  and 
\  ^m  his.''     J3ut  God  forbid  Uiat  we  should  thus  oflend  against  the  gen7 


46 


or  FAITH  AND  JUSTIFICATION' 


eratlon  of  liis  children.  That  many  of  them  want  such  an  as'^nrancej 
3-nay  not  he  questioned.  This,  however,  is  the  assurance,  not  of  faith, 
but  of  sense:  and  vastly  different  they  are.  The  ohject  of  the  former, 
is  Christ  revealed  in  the  7L'ord;  the  object  of  the  latter,  Christ  revealed 
in  the  A^<7>V-^Tlie  ground  of  the  former,  is  the  testimony  of  God  v.:ith' 
out  us :  that  of  the  latter,  the  work  of  the  Spirit  ivithin  us — the  one  em- 
braces the  promise,  lookiiTg  at  nothing  hut  the  veracity  of  the  promiser: 
the  other  enjoys  the  promise  in  the  sweetness  of  its  actual  accomplish- 
ment—  Faith  trusts  for  pardon  to  the  blood  of  Christ;  sense  asserts  par- 
don from  the  comfortable  intimations  of  it  to  the  soul.  By  faith  we 
take  the  Lord  Jesus  for  salvation;  by  sense  we  feci  that  we  are  saved, 
from  the  Spirit  s  shining  onliisown  gracious  work  in  our  hearts. 

'J'hose  kinds  of  assurance,  so  diiTerent  in  their  nature,  are  very  fre-» 
fluently  separated.  The  assurance  of  faitli  may  be,  and  often  is,  in  live- 
ly exercise,  when  the  other  is  completely  withdrawn.-  *'Zion  said,  w^y 
I^ardhaih  fonf*-'tUn  me,  and  the  Spouse,  rny  beloved  hou  icithdrawn 
himself^  and  was  gone.'' ^  *'ile  may  be  a  forgetting  jind  withdrawing 
God  to  ray  feeling:  and  yet  to  my  faith,  my  God,  and  my  Lord  still  " 
This  case  is  accurately  described  by  the  prophet  Who  is  among  you 
that  fcareth  the  Lord,  that  obey eth  the  voice  of  his  servant,  that  walk- 
eth  in  darkness,  and  hath  no  light?  Let  him  trust  in  the  name  of  tha 
Lord,  atul  stay  upon  his  God,  Isa.  1  10.  Here  the  believer,  one  who 
fears  the  Lord,  is  supposed  to  be  absolutely  destitute  of  sensible  assu- 
rance; for  he  li^alks  in  darkness,  and  has  no  light ;  yet  he  is  required  to 
exercise  the  assurance  of  faifhj  by  trusting  in  the  Lord,  and  staying; 
■t/jion  his  God, 

Seeing,  therefore,  that  the  scriptures  teach,  that  there  is,  in  saving 
faith,  a  special  appropriation  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  the  soul,  with  a 
persuasion  of  its  own  particular  salvation  through  him  ;  and  that  this  doc  -- 
trine  is  in  no  wise  contrary,  but  most  conformable,  to  the  experience  of 
the  saints;  the  Synod  do  reject,  and  solemnly  testify  against  the  prevail 
mg  errors,  that  justifying  faith  does  not  necessarily  contain  anappro- 
priation  of  Christ  to  ourselves,  as  our  own  Saviour  in  particular;  nor 
any  assurance  that  vv^e,  in  particular',  shall  be  saved;  but  merely  a  be- 
lief and  }>ersuasion  of  God's  mercy  in  Christ,  and  of  his  ability  and 
willingness  to  save  tliose  who  come  unto  God  through  him.  And  the 
Synod  do  warn  their  people  against  the  principles  herein  condemned, 
as  contrary  to  (he  faitli  of  God  s  elect;  as  tending  to  encourage,  in  sin- 
ners, a  -ying  hope,  founded  on  a  general  ssent  to  the  truth  of  the  gospel; 
^ndtomar,  instead  of  promoting,  the  growth  and  consolation  of  bGlievers* 


9t  y.viTii  AND  jiu3TiriCArro?f  47 

II.   OF  JUSTIFICATION. 

.Tuslificatron,  beinp;  ihe  reverse  of  condemnation,  rxprc?«es  n  charrgr, 
rtot  of  prrsoruil  qualilir?,  but  of  relative  stair.      For,  as  roiul«='mB.'»li(n 
does  not  niako   i\ui  suSjcct:^  tlu'»«.'of  wickcil,  so  justiiication  dofs   no^- 
make  them  holy.      Brt  as  tlu^  fornuT  is  a  jicntci'ie,  according  to  hn\ 
declaring  a  ^)er^on  unrj^htcous,  and  adjnd^inj;  him  to  penalty;  so  lli 
lattfT  is  a  sentcrire,  according  to  law,  acfinittin*^;  him  fiom  ^uilt,  an' 
dccl  irinp;  liim  li^hteou?.     In  jnstirving  sinnc'rs,  the  JVlo.«t  Hij^h  God, 
as  an  uprie;hl  moral  Governor,  passes  a  sentence  whenin  Ife  panloneth 
aH  their  sin=,  and  ac(  cpteth  them  as  righteous  in  his   sii^ht.     J'or  he 
forgiv<  th  all  their  inifjuitie?,  V^.  ciii.  S,  and  makes  them  accepted   it> 
the  l)elovf:d,  ICph.  i.  6. 

This  jnsHliration  is  an  aci;  and  is,  therefore,  completed  at  once.  1* 
IS  necessarily  an  acf^  because  it  is  a  le^al  ';(M)tence;  and  an  act  cannot 
be  progressive:  this  is  the  property  of  a  work. 

Thf»  orioin  of  jii'^tilication  is  the  sovr-reign  grace  cf  God — Wc  are 
justified /ree/j/  by  his  frrace^  Rom.  ni.  2-1. 

The  meritorious  cause  of  it;  that  which  renders  it  meet  and  right  for 
God  to  absolve  the  siimer  from  the  r  urse,  airfl  receive  him  into  tdvour 
and  OM  account  of  which  he  is  just  in  justif)  in^.  is  the  righteousness  ' 
the  Lord  Jr-sus,  consistinpj  of  his  wlioJe- obedience  to  the  law,  both  in 
Its  precept  and  penalty.      We  have  redemption  thiough  his  blood,  Rpli- 
i.  7:  and  by  his  obedience  noany  are  made  righteou?,  Rom.  v,  19. 

This  righteousness  is  conveyed  to  us  by  impulation ;  that  is,  i? 
placed  to  our  account  as  really  and  effectively  as  if  it  had  been  ac- 
complis'ied  in  oik*  own  persons.  Ilewas  7?2^^cw?ifl'cr/^^law;50underit, 
as  to  becone  sin  for  vs,  though  he knrw  no  sin, Uiat ive might  be  mnde  ihe 
riirhteonsness  of  Go  I  in  him,  '2  Cor.  v.  "^l.  i .  e.  as  our  sin  being  charged  on 
him,  is  su*taiaed,  in  law,a^  a  ^uflicient  reason  for  exacting  from  him,  in 
oiir  namo.  full  compliance  with  all  the  demands  of  justice ;  so  that  com- 
pliance, wUich  is  his  righteousness,  being  imputed  unto  us,  is  sustained* 
in  law,  as  a  sufllcient  reason  tor  accjuittint;  ns,  in  hi-s  name,  from  guilt, 
and  conferriv.g  on  us  a  title  to  everlasting  life.  Tlie  Lord  hath  laid 
upon  Wiia  the  iniquity  of  us  all;  and,  therefore,  by  his  stripes  we  are 
healed,  Isa.  liii.  5,  G. 

VVith  the  imputatio:^  f  the  Surety's  righteousness^  on  the  part  of 
G:)-!  the  Judge,  there  is  necessarily  connerted  Ihe  cordial  reception  of 
it  oD  our  part.  This  is  done. by  faith,  the  faith  of  the  operation  of  God« 
It  is  in  beliovinsjon  the  Lord  J'-^us,  or,  as  has  already  been  explained, 
acceptinrj  liim,  for  rightcousnes'^;  on  the  divine  warrant,  that  our/;cr- 
.wns  are  released  from  the  curse,  and  we  a  re /^cr-so^if?//// instated  in  tjie 
riijht  to  the  inheritance-  In  this  sense,  and  in  this  only,  does  faith  jus- 
tify; not  as  being,  in  any  possible  form  or  degree,  our  justitying  right- 
eousness; but'iimply  as  it  embraces  the  riehteousnes's  of  the  Surety,  to 
<iie  entire  excluiiion  of  our  own.     So  speaks  the  scripture;  We  ajr^ 


jusMQerl  bj  fahh.  Rom .  v.  i  ;  only  as  it  i?  faith  in  his  blood,  fJom.  iii.  ^%. 
Hence  it  is  apj)arent,  that  personal  jist^fication  tr.kvs  placf  at  the 
moment  of  believing,  and  not  belorr.  13ut  as  this  part  of  (h.e  dortrine 
of  justification  lias  been  recently  and  bohiiy  denied  within  the  htunds 
of  the  Synod,  they  j'ldge  it  their  du'y  briefly  to  ccntirm  it,  and  (o  bear 
thcii"  testimoiiy  against  the  contrary  error. 

1.  It  IS  not  righteousness  as  imputed  merely,  that  justifie?;  \\i  f*s 
rccrived  A^o,  On  this  the  scripture?;  I  <>  parl'cubr  s-'r'^ss .  ^^s  matiy 
as  rec*:iveD  him  to  them  gave  he  po~xcr  to  become  the  sons  of  Goj;  wl,  a  h 
re-  f  iving  is  ittimediatcly  explained  by  believing  oni  his  name,  John  i.  12, 
Ko  righteousness  can  justify  n^Q  at  the  bar  of  justice,  u»  less  I  am  war- 
ranted in  law  to  plead  it  a^  my  own.  It  is  palpHhly  absurd  to  pJcrid  at 
righteousness  which  I  rf  je(  t.  The  very  pl^a  supposes  that  the  rij.'ht- 
eousness  is  mine,  and  that  I  irust  in  it.  JNow,  the  righteousness  of 
Christ  is  not  mine  in  possession  t'll  1  accept  it  as  th<»  Father's  gif*; 
•which  I  do  in  believing.  Before  believing,  therefore,  I  1  ave  no  right- 
eousness to  oppose  to  the  claims  of  the  law,  and,  r  onsequcntlv*  neither 
am,  nor  can  be  justified.  ,  It  wilJ  not  be  questioned  that  {\h  Lord  nev- 
er imputes  righteou^tess  to  t!  oee  who  never  believe;  and  tl  ai  h«^  ril- 
ways  bestows  the  crace  of  faith  on  those  to  whom  he  impntf  s  pigit- 
eon  nes-.  A'ld  this  demonstrates  thai  there  subsists  such  a  toi  nexion 
between  impu  ation  on  his  part,  and  faith  on  our>,  (bat  without  the  lat- 
ter, the  former  could  not  produce  its  effect.  But  that  effect  is  cur  jus- 
tification; ;heref<  re  justification  cannot  take  place  before  helievirg. 

2.  The  law  api  lies  its  curse  to  the  person  of  f  very  slnrer  in  par(ic- 
tilar;  and  its  terro.  to  tl>e  conscience  of  every  convinced  sinner  iii  par* 
ticular. 

That  the  gospel,  as  the  ministration  of  righteousness,  may  be  direct* 
\y  opposed  to  the  law,  as  the  ministration  of  condenr  nation;  and  that 
its  effect  may  completely  destroy  the  v^'itvi  of  the  law's  curse,  it  is  ne- 
cessary that  there  be  a  particular  application  of  righteousness  to  the 
person  of  the  sinper;  and  that  the  peace  spenking  blood  of  Jfsus  be  * 
particularly  applied  to  his  conscience.  Both  are  asserted  intl^e  "-ciip- 
titre.  Believers  are  elect  according  to  ti.e  foreknowledge  of  God.  :hc 
Father,  through  sprinkling  of  the  l)lood  of  Jesus  Christ,  1  P'-l.  i.  2 — 
"which  purges  their  ccnscierice  from  chad  norks^  Ileb.  ix.  14.  Bn'  it  h?.s 
been  shown  under  the  preceding  head,  that  it  is  faith  which  appropri- 
ates the  Lord  Christ  in  his  saving  benefits.  And  as  there  i^  no  ju»tifi- 
ration  before  he  be  thus  appropjiated,  there  can  he  none  before  be- 
Iii  vii^g. 

8.  The  scriptures  divide  the  hearers  of  the  gospel  into  beTievers 
and  unbelievers;  and  pronounce  upon  them  sentences  ariddii^'  to  their 
respective  characters.  Ke  that  believeth  is  r.ot  condrrnred.  Jrhn 
iii.  13;  hf"  is  ju>tined  from  all  thing*,  Aclsxiii.  39;  he  hath  everlasting 
Mfe,  John  iii.  36.  Wh*!  tethat  believeth  not,  is  cordfmj  rd  already.  & 
tlie  wrath  of  God  ahia&th  on  him.  John  iii,  18.  36,     Till  the  siancr  be' 


i^ve,  hfi  is  an  unbeliever.  And  as  lonj;  as  he  continur.f  s^,  i:o  it;  in  a 
state  of  condemnation;  the  \Math  of  (iod  abidfth  on  Inin.  Ji'stifica- 
tion,  therelbre,  before  believing,  is  intpossible;  it  cxliihits  a  monster 
which  the  bible  cannot  know — w  justified  unhdievcr.  It  includes  (Ik 
revolting  absurdity  of  a  man\s  being,  at  the  f^anne  time,  and  in  thesam*- 
respects,  both  acquitted  arwl  condemned;  both  in  a  state  of  favourand 
in  a  state  of  wrath;  at  once  a  partaker  of  Christ,  and  afi  heir  of  hell. 

However  plain  and  peremptory  tlu)  scriptural  doctrine  on  tliis  p«inl, 
there  are  not  wanting  some  to  corrupt  and  opposf  it,  by  teaching,  noi 
only  that  ju-^iificition  precedes  believing,  but  that  the  elect  were  ju- 
tified  from  eternity. 

If  hothing  more  werr  meant  than  that  the  Lord  from  eternity,  »</?•- 
posed  to  justify  his  elect  througli  the  righteousness  of  their  head,  Jesu^ 
Christ;  and  that  this  gracious  purpose  or  decree  infallibly  secures  thcii 
iustificalion  in  time,  it  would  be  a  glorious  truth.  Though  to  call  thi- 
]justiJication,  when  it  is,  in  fact,  the  same  with  elerliun,  would  be  ;■ 
s-frange  abuse  of  terms;  and  would  engender  an  idle  and  uncdifying 
strife  of  words.  But  it  is  contended,  that  justification,  strictly  anA 
properly  speaking,  is  eternal:  That  Jehovah  having,  from  eternity,  ac- 
cepted the  suretyship  of  the  Son,  accepted,  and  therefore  juslitied, 
the  elect  in  him:  that  as  his  will  to  elect,  is  election,  so  his  will  to  jus- 
tify, is  justification:  that  this  being  eternally  an  imiiicnient  act  of  the 
divine  mmd,  is  the  true  justification:  that  the  transient  act,  which 
passes,  in  time,  on  the  person  of  a  sinner,  and  which  we  style  justifica- 
tion, is  only  an  intimation  to  his  conscience  of  what  was  done  in  eter- 
nity: and  that  the  proper  business  of  faith  is  not  to  justify,  but  to  impart 
to  the  believer  a  clear  ra.anifestation,  and  a  comfortable  sense,  of  his 
eternal  justification. 

How  contrary  all  thi^  is  to  the  nature  of  things,  to  the  testimony  of 
Cod's  word,  and  to  the  experience  of  iiis  people,  may  be  easily  demon- 
strated . 

1,  Justification,  being  the  sentence  of  God  the  Judge,  acquitting  the 
sinner  from  guilt,  and  pronouncing  him  righteous,  according  to  (he  tenor 
of  the  moral  law,  necessarily  implies  both  the  existence  of  tl>e  Jaw, 
and  the  breach  of  it  by  the  person  justified;  neither  of  ^vhich  can  con 
bist  with  the  doctrine  of  eternal  justification. 

2.  If,  as  is  alledged,  the  will  to  justify  is  justification,  ns  (he  will  to 
elect  is  election, it  is  certain,  that  the  will  to  create  is  creation;  the  will 
to  sanctify,  sanctification;  the  will  to  save  salvatjpn;  so  that  men  were 
created,  sanctified,  saved  from  eternity. 

That  sanctification  is  a  change  of  personal  qualities,  and  iustification 
of  legal  relation?,  will  neither  alter  the  question,  nor  remove  the  ditTi- 
culty.  Vorjustification  as  necessarily  suppose.s  the  existence  of  the  re- 
lations alFecled  by  it,  as  sanctification  does  the  existence  of  the  person 
sanctified.  Both  these  blessings  impart  a  real  and  glorious  chnnije - 
ovi\j.  the  subject  of  the  latter  is  a  sinner's  ncreon,  and  of  the  former,  hi 


oO^  Qy    FAffn   AXD   JuiTIFfCATl?^. 

Mate.  Beside,  condemnation  affects  only  legal  relationsj  and  if  the 
will  to  justify  is  justification,  the  will  to  condemn  must  be  condemna- 
tion; so  that  mankind  were  condemned  from  eternity;  that  is,  etc rnnlly 
before  the  covenant,  for  the  breach  of  which  they  were  condemned,  had 
any  bein^:  or  else  the  covenant  with  Adam  was  as  eternal  as  ihe  cove- 
nant with  Christ;  i.  e.  Was  made  with  Adam  an  eternity  before  he  was 
created. 

3.  If  the  elect  were  justified  from  eternity  in  virtue  of  their  being 
from  eternity  in  Christ,  by  covenant  representation,  it  must  follow^ 
either  that  they  never  were  in  Adam  as  a  head  of  condemnation;  or 
else  that  they  were  condemned  in  Adam  after' their  justitiration  in 
Christ;  because  the  latter  was  from  eternity,  and  the  former  only  in 
time;  for  it  is  evident  that  they  could  not  be  condemned  in  Adam,  be- 
fore he  fell  under  condemnation  himself.  But  both  these  propositions 
are  most  repugnant  to  every  principle  and  declaration  of  the  scripture, 

4.  The  elect  could  not  be  eternally  justified  in  Christ  their  surety^ 
because  Ihe  surety  himself  was  not  thus  justified.  As  the  God  man, 
he  was  made  under  the  law,  both  in  its  precept  and  penalty,  nor  was 
he  dischariied  till  he  had  satisfied  both  to  the  uttermost.  God  was 
first  maiv fisted  in  the  Jieshy  ihen  justified  in  the  Spirit,  1  Tim.  iii. 
16.  This  is  usually  called  the  virtual  justification  of  the  elect:  by 
which  must  be  understood,  that  in  the  obedience  and  death  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  a  foundation  was  laid  for  their  pardon  and  acceptance,  so  that 
God  might  be  just  in  justifying  them,  and  the  promise  thereof  made  ir- 
reversibly sure  to  them  a^  the  seed.     J3ut  that  this  was  not  their  own 

"proper  justification,  i,s  clear  from  the  eifample  of  those  who,  by  faith  in 
the  Saviour  to  come,  were  justified  before  his  appearing  to  put  away  sii» 
by  the  sacrifice  of  himself. 

5.  If  the  elect  were  justified  from  eternity,  and,  of  course,  came  jus- 
tified into  the  worlc',  it  is  undeniable  that  every  elect  person  is  regen- 
erated and  sanctified  from  the  womb;  or  else  that  justification  and  sane- 
tification  may  be  and  often  are  separated :  so  that  a  per?t)n  in  favor  with 
God,  and  an  heir  of  life,  may,  notwithstanding,  be  for  years,  and  scores 
of  years,  under  the  dominion,  and  wallowing  in  the  filth,  of  sin.  The 
former  is  contrary  io  notoiious  fact;  and  tlie  latter,  exploding  sanctifi- 
cation  as  the  ne<:essarv  roncomitr^nt  and  test  of  justification,  destroys 
our  L'^rd's  rule,  that  the  tree  is  knoxon  by  its  fruit,  Matt.  xii.  23. 

G.  The  notion  of  eternaj  justification  overthrows  the  whole  doctrine 
of  the  scripture  concerning  the  office  of  the  grace  of  faith.  This  is,  pre- 
emlnjentlv,  to  receive  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  as  Jehovah  our  righteous- 
i\09^\  ^^v  he  is  mnr/e  of  God  unto  vs — righteoustiess,  1  Cor.  i.  30;  and 
ivith  the  heart  man  believeth  unto  righfeousness^  Rom.  x.  10,  But  if  the- 
use  of  faith  be  merely  to  manifest  our  eternal  justification,  it  can  in  no 
sense  be  said  to  rccc/re.  Christ  for  righteousrfbss,  which  implies,  that 
previously  the  person  exercising  it  had  none.  In  addition  to  which  it 
13  Obviou?.  according  to  this  scheme, 


or    rAITH    AND    JUSTIFICATION.  -^1 

Xal.  Tliat  faith  can  no  otherwise  justify  than  r/orks;  because  holi- 
ness boing  the  effect  of  cleansing  by  the  blood  of  Christ,  manifest*  our 
justification;  yet  the  scriptures  attribute  justification  to  faith,  and  pof- 
Uively  deny  it  to  works 

2(/N.  That  no  person  can  be  a  believer  who  has  n^  a  comfortable 
sense  of  his  jasLifi'ration;  for  faith  manifrsts  it;  and  he  loses  his  faith  as 
often  as  he  loses  the  mmiiftstntion  of  his  justification;  so  that  there  are 
either  no  believers  in  the  world,  or  rise  men  arc  believers  or  unbeliev- 
ers, as  their  comfortable  sense  of  theirjustification  comes  and  goes. 

Mhj.  That  no  sinner  cin  be  called  by  the  ministry  of  the  word  to 
believe,  or  be  condemned  for  unbelief.  Not  to  believe;  because  the 
use  of  faith  being  to  rannifest  justification,  the  call,  if  general,  must  be 
addressed  to  many  who  never  were,  and  never  will  jbe,  justified;  and, 
therefore,  have  no  justification  to  be  manifested ;  and  if  restricted,  must 
be  grounded  on  election;  the  objects  whereof  no  man  knows,  or  can 
know.  Nor  could  any  be  condemned  for  unbelief;  for  faith,  not  being 
a  rereivincc  of  Christ  for  justification,  but  only  manifesring  our  eternal 
justificatioii,  embraces  no  offer;  and,  tlierefore,  unbelief,  which  is  the 
reverse  of  faith,  rejects  none ;  and  if  sinners  be  condemned  for  their  un* 
Ijelief,  they  will  be  condemned  for  a  non-manifestation  of  what  never 
existed. 

7,  The  people  of  God,  when  enabled  at  first  to  believe,  never  do  i»; 
as  aire ad\^  justified;  but  feeling  themselves  accursed  and  perishing  sin- 
ners, shut  up  under  the  most  righteous  condemnation  of  the  tew,  ilee  to 
the  Lord  Jes^js,  that  they  may  be  pardoned,  and  may  be  saved  from 
the  wrath  to  come.  These  views  are  absolutel}'  inconsistent  with  the 
idea  and  the  doctrine  of  eternal  justification.  To  say  that  they  are  er- 
roneous, seeing  the  elect  sinner  was  etei-nally  justified,  though  he  does 
not  know  it,  is,  on  the  matter,  to  say  that  the  Holy  Ghost  fills  his  peo- 
ple with  groundless  terrors,  and  leads  them  to  lyiiig  exercises;  for  it  is 
lie  who  convinces  tiiem  of  sin,  by  applying  to  their  consciences  both 
the  precept  and  the  curse  of  the  law.  ^or  will  it  be  any  relief  to 
plead,  that  the  elect  considered  as  in  Christ  are  justified;  but  considered 
in  Adam,  are  children  of  wrath;  for  this  not  only  silences  the  challenge 
of  the  apostle,  IVho  shall  lay  an'v  thing  to  the  charge  of  GocVs  elect? 
But  supposes  them  to  remain  under  the  very  condemnation  from  which 
justification  in  Christ  was  intended  to  deliver  them.  And  as,  on  this 
plan,  there  is  no  inconsistency  yioiv  between  their  being  justified  in 
Christ,  and,  at  the  same  time,  condemned  in  Adam,  there  can  be  none 
.  at  any  future  period :  so  that  the  elect  may  continue  to  all  eternity,  iR  the 
heavens,  in  the  preseace,  and  in  the  enjoyment  of  God, — children  of 
wrath ! 

From  this  pernicious  tenet,  as  from  a  root  of  bitterness  and  poison, 
spring  many  noxious  eiror»,  which,  at  various  times,  have  infected  the 
church  of  Christ,  and  which  a  regard  to  her  spiritual  health  has  compel 
Iqd  the  Synod^  however  reluctant  in  seventy^  to  aini  atextirpatin  gfroi' 


St  df    THE    KIXGLY   AUTHORITY   XiT    JESUS    CHRIST. 

» 

their  bounds.  Hence  the  infatuated  notions,  that  Christ  is  offered  In 
the  gospel  to  the  elect  only — that  ministers  have  nothing  to  do  with  the 
reprobate — that  the  immediate  duty  of  the  hearer  of  the  gospel  is  to  be- 
lieve, first  of  all,  his  personal  election  to  eternal  life — that  one  may 
be  for  a  series^of  years  in  a  gracious  state,  without  knowing  it,  or 
bringing  forth  the  fruits  of  grace,  and  yet  ought  not  to  question  it;  with 
other  of  a  like  nature  and  tendenc}  ;  all  of  which  do  necessarily  arise 
out  of  the  doctrine  of  eternal  justification. 

The  Synod  do,  there;ore,  bear  this,  their  explicit  and  publk;  iestt- 
mony  against  it;  and  do  solemnly  warn  and  enjoin  both  ministers  and 
people  under  their  care,  as  they  regard  the  glory  of  the  L^rd  Jesus,  an^ 
the  welfare  of  their  own  souls,  to  discountenance  it;  and  every  one  who, 
in  any  manner,  inculcates  it,  as  subverting  the  very  foundations  of  the 
gospel;  leadins;  sinners  to  a  false  and  ruinous  confidence;  and  minister 
in^  powerful  incentives  to  all  ungodliness. 

JOHN  YOUNG,  Moderator, 
JOHN  M'JIMSEY,   Clerk  pro  t^m^^ 


AN  ACT 

Voneerning  the  Kingly  Jluthority  of  the  Lord  Je^us . 

WHtfRSAS  a  principle  has  lately  been  propagated,  highly  de- 
?'b<yalory  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  hostile  to  the  peace  and  prosperity  of 
his  chiirch,  "denying  him  the  exclusive  right  to  ecclesiastical  legisla- 
tion," the  Mrnisters  and  Elders,  in  Synod  assembled^  feel  themselves 
oblisjated  to  declare,  they  hereby  do  declare,  their  sentiments  on  that 
subject. 

Jesus  Christ  is  the  only  Lawgiver  of  his  church;  and  to  invest  aiiy 
man,  or  body  of  men,  with  legislative  powers,  is  a  daring  infringement 
of  his  royal  prerogative.  It  may  not  be  unnecessary  to  remark,  that 
this  authority,  strictly  considered,  belongs  to  Him  as  Mediator;  was 
ii'wen  to  him  of  the  Father,  and  is  distinct  from  that  underived,  essen- 
tial r'oninion,  of  which,  as  a  Person  in  Jehovah,  he  is  necessarily  pos- 
ses"* •^'d. 

Ta^ii  f  he  Lord  Jesus  is  the  only  Lawgiver  of  his  church,  appears  ob- 
vious fro.-n  those  princely  names  by  which  he  is  uniformly  exhibited  in 
script  ir^*.  Thus  he  is  emphatically  called  "the  Prince  of  Peace;" 
"our  Jiid^e,  our  Lawgiver  and  King;"  a^'[<ing  set"  or  appointed  by 
Jehovih  over  his  Holy  Hill  of  Zion ;"  "Rifler  in  Israel,  whose  goings 
forth  \<ive  been  from  of  old,  from  everlasting;"  that  "one  Shepherd" 
raised  up  of  the  Father  for  Israel  his  spiritual  flock ;  the  "one  Lawgiver 
who  is  able  to  save  and  destroy. "  In  these  and  other  passages  of  scrip- 
ture ^he  Redeemer  is  not  barely  denominated  chief  Shepherd,  Law- 
;giver,  &c.  denoting  a  mere  pre-eminence  of  authority,  but  he  is  eati- 


or   riUS    Kl^t?tT    AUTHORITY    d^    JLSXJS    THRISTi  SC5  , 

}\e<\  (^at**onc  Shepherd"  and  "Lawgiver,'];  undeniably  evincing  ihttt 
legislative  authority  is  his  peculiar  prerogative. 

This  doctrine  is  still  further  contirmed  hy  those  ensigns  of  suprcma* 
cy  by  which  the  Redeemer  is  distinguished.  Long  before  his  appear- 
ing in  our  world,  it  w«is  foretold  of  Messiah,  that  "the  government 
should  be  upon  his  shoulder^'  that  he  should  sit  and  rule  upon  hi« 
throw»,  and  should  be  a  Priest  u|>on  his  throne,  "that  the  Lord  God 
w#uld  give  unto  hitn  tlie  throne  of  his  Father  David;  that  he  should 
reiga  over  Ihe  hou5»e  of  Jacob  forever."  In  conformity  to  these  an- 
cient predictions,  Christ  is  afterwards  set  forth  as  possessing  "all  power 
in  heaven  and  earth/'  *»The  Father  loveth  the  Son,"  says  the  Holy 
dhost  h*T  the  Evangelist  John,  "the  FaUier  ioveth  the  Son,  and  halh 
given  all  things  into  his  hand.'  Theae  and  similar  passages  of  scrip- 
ture evidently  bold  forth  the  Ix)rd  Je?u«  as  the  only  Lawgiver  o>f  his 
house,  and  rebuke,  as  both  airo^ant  and  presumptuous,  all  such  as 
K\n\m  any  legislative  power  therein. 

Connect  with  these  another  argument  equally  convincing  in  itaelf, 
?ind  appropriate  to  the  foregoing  proposition,  that  church  officers  are 
appointed  only  by  Christ.  It  is  his  divine  prerogative  to  raise  up, 
q-ualify  ^nd  establish  them  in  the  church.  He  commissioned  the  disci- 
ples to  go  into  all  the  world, and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature. 
^'He  gave  some  apostles,  some  prophets,  some  evangelists,  and  some 
pastors  and  teachers,  for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  tlie  work  of  the 
ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ. "  As  the  appointment 
of  oflicers  belongs  pecuHarly  to  him,  in  like  nryinner  the  establishment 
<5f  all  sacred  institutions.  No  observance,  however  rational  in  its  na- 
ture, or  cunningly  calculated  to  inspire  or  assist  devotion,  is  binding  on 
the  church,  unless  sanctioned  by  the  command,  and  enstamped  with  the 
signature,  of  Zion's  King.  -"To  the  law  and  to  the  testimony,  if  they 
speak  not  according  to  this  word,  it  is  because  there  is  no  light  in 
them."  "In  vain,"  is  the  ^'haUenge  of  has  jealousy;  "in  vain  do  they 
worship  me,  teaching  Tor  doctrines  the  commandments  of  men*"  Add 
-to  thi^,  that  ordinances  are  dispensed  invariably  in  his  name.  Minis- 
ters are  only  ambassadors  for  Chrsit.  By  authority  derived  from  him 
>'they  hold  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  that  whatsoever  they 
bind  on  earth  is  bound  in  heaven,  and  whatsoever  they  loose  on  eafrti  is 
loosed  in  heaven."  "1  have  received  of  the  Lord,"  says  the  apostle 
cstablishigg  the  venerable  ordinance  of  the  supper^^'i  have  received  of 
the  Lord  that  which  I  also  delivered  unto  you."  Church  censures  are 
also  administered  agreeably  to  his  appointment.  Is  the  offending 
brother  cut  off  from  the  communion  of  the  faithful;  or,  upon  his  appa- 
rent repentance,  restored  to  the  privileges  of  the  church.''  Both  are  ex- 
ecuted in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  Christ. 

These  arguments,  either  separately  or  unitedly  considered,  undenia- 
bly prove  that  the  Lord  Jesus  is  the  sole  Lawgiver  in  Zion,  and  that 
cburch  officers  are  vested  with  do  other  than  executive  or  ministerial 


:;;4  a  wA»NiNa  &;c= 

powerp.  They  ace  servants  under  Christ  as  their  Master;  they  ar^ 
disciples  of  Christ  as  therfr  Lord  ;  they  are  only  stewards  of  the  myste- 
ries of  ejodhness.  The  Synod,  therefore,  embrace  the  present  opportu- 
nity of  testifying  against  the  contrary  opinion  as  unscriptural;  as  high- 
ly degrading  to  tbe  Great  God  our  Saviol^r,  and  dangerous  to  the 
peace  and  order  of  his  house:  and  hereby  they  publicly  and  solemnly 
warn  the  people  under  their  inspection  against  complying  with  th©= 

JOHN  YOUNG,  Moderator. 
JOHN  M'JIMSEY,  Clerk projemp. 

-^©e 


A  WARNING 

AjGAINST  HOPKINSIAN,  AND   OTHER  ALLIED  ERRORS, 

ADDRESSED  EY 

THE  .^SSOCMTE  REFORMED  SYNOD  OF  THE  WEST, 

TO  THE  CHURCHES  UNDER  THEIR  CARE. 
TO   WHICH 

IS  PREFIXED  A  SHORT  NARRATUnH 

OF  THE  STAT^  AND  PROGRESS  OF  SUCH  ERR<MIS. 

The  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  the  West,  at  a  meeting  held  ib 
Jnillicothe  in  May  18^M,  taking  into  consideration  the  prevalence  of 
jjurlfn]  f^rrorsj  which  disturb  the  peace  of  the  church,  and  hinder  union 
amopg  professing  Christians — ^appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  the 
draught  of  a  testimony  agiunst  Hopkinsian  Socinian  and  Semi-Socin- 
ian  crrofs  as  prevalent  in  the  present  day;  with  a  brief  narrative  of 
the  state  and  progress  of  such  errors  in  the  churchesc  At  the  next 
succeeding  meeting  held  at  Cadiz  the  committee  reported— and  the 
report  being  dvM  considered,  and  having  undergone  some  amend- 
TBeiits  was  unanimously  adopted,  and  ordered  to  be  printed. 


X    WAHJSXNG,    &C.  55 

EVFRV  attentive  reader  of  the  writings  of  the  apostles,  must  have 
observed  the  free  and  honest  manner  in  wliich  thej  noticed  the  errors 
^hich  were  infesting  the  church  in  their  da}-;  bow  fearlessly  they 
branded  them  with  the  mark  of  disapprobation;  and  how  carefully 
they  put  those  to  wthom  they  wrote  on  their  guard  against  them. — 
Taught  by  the  Holy  Ghost  as  they  were,  they  never  would  have  pur- 
lucd  this  course,  if,  as  some  pretend,  religious  opinions  are  matters  of 
indifference.  That  sacred  injunction.  Beware  lest  ye  also  being  led  away 
with  the  error  of  the  wicked  fall  from  your  own  sicdfastness  while  it  makes 
it  our  duty  to  exercise  vigilance,  in  guarding  ourselves  and  others  with 
whom  we  may  have  influence,  against  whatever  in  opinion  or  prac- 
tice is  calculated  to  subvert  the  faith  of  Christ;  will  at  the  same  time, 
justify- us  in  the  view  of  every  pious  mind,  in  attem.pting  to  point  out 
to  our  people,  the  errors  which  at  the  present  day  are  prevailing 
amongst  those  who  profess  the  Christian  Lame;  that  being  avfare  of 
them,  they  may  see,  that  now  as  formerly,  it  is  not  fafe  believing  exery 
spirit,  but  may  try  the  spirits,  rchcthcr  they  be  of  GOD. 

It  is  not,  however,  our  intention  to  pass  in  review,  every  error  which 
is  doing  mischief  in  the  churches.  This  v  ould  be  a  work  of  labor  and 
of  time.  It  would  also  be  needless;  as  macy  of  the  prevailing  errors 
have  existed  for  a  long  period  "with  very  little  variation,  and  Irave  b«en 
often  noticed  and  refuted;  so  that,  at  first  sight,  they  are  by  all  intel^ 
ligent  members  of  the  household  of  faith  recognized  to  be  diierse  and 
strange  doftrines.  It  shall  be  our  pari  only  to  notice  the  present  state 
of  some  errors  of  more  recent  origin;  or  which  come  abroad  in  a  j^^^r 
and  more  imposing  dress;  and  furnish  some  hints  and  facts,  Vr'nich  mar 
enable  those  v/ho  observe  the  signs  of  the  times,  to  fcim  &n  estimate  of 
the  progress  which  they  arc  making  in  the  cUafchcs. 

That  district  of  the  United  States,  coiiimouly  knowu  by  the  name  of 
New  England,  having  been  the  fir?t  which  cultivated  literature  arid  sci* 
ence  to  any  coTisiderabltt  extent,  has  always  given  something  of  a  tone 
to  the  other  parts  of  the  Union.     A  clfcumatance  which  enabled  this 
section  of  our  country,  to  exert  great  influence  over  other  sections,  as 
it  regards  religion  and  rc*Iigious  opinions,  was,  that  a  great  portion  of 
its  early  sr-tMers  were  both  intelligent  and  pious,  being  such  as  were 
forced  to  leave  their  native  country  by  the  persecution  raised  agamst 
the  puritans.      As  there  were,  therefore,  here  large  and  well  organized 
churches, supplied  with  able  and  faithful  ministers,  while  in  mo^t  oth- 
er parts.  Christians  were  few,  and  as  sheep  having  no  shepherd;  the 
religion  and  p-liqious  opinions  of  New  Englind  readily  acquired  res- 
pectaiiilitv.  and  authority  over  the  minds  of  the  religious  class  of  man- 
kind far  from  home.     Nor  was  this  attended  with  any  but  the  most  hap 
py  conseque,nces,  while  the  New  England  churches  retaine.d  that  p^ 


rltj  of  faith  which  they  inhi?nted  from  their  ancestors,  lii^i  linsj  af 
a  general  fact,  was  uot  of  long  r.ontinuance.  We  learn  from  the  his* 
tories  of  the  tinaes,  that  Arminianism  soon  began  to  prevail,  even  in 
some  of  the  colleges  where  youth  received  the  rudiments  of  their  edu- 
cation for  the  ministry.  Those,  who  fell  into  this  abcration  from  pure 
Christianity,  were  not  long  content  with  it.  A  metaplrj  sical  turn  of 
mind,  which  often  displayed  itself  in  handling  the  word  of  Gody  sOon 
carried  them  farther.  As  it  came  to  be  esteemed-  that  alone  which 
could  give  a  minister  eminence,  no  one  was  satisfied  unless  he  were 
able  to  set  up  some  distinction  before  unknown  to  Christians,  or  intro^ 
<luee  some  new  subtility  worthy  of  his  critical  acumen;  and  refinernent 
after  refinement^  or  in  their  own  language— a  language  which  still 
prevails—  improvement  after  improvement^  in  the  received  system  of  the- 
ology, was  the  consequence.  President  Edwards,  though  an  able  and 
orthodox  teacher  of  religion,  and  one  whose  name  ought  ne\er  to  be 
mentioned  but  with  respect,  contributed,  unintentionally,  no  little  to 
this  state  of  things.  His  work  on  the  Willy  though  a  masterly  produc-* 
tion,  containing  an  able  refutation  of  the  Arminian  notions  of  Free- 
Will,  was  yet  written  in  a  style  too  metaphysical  for  the  masff  of 
bis  readers;  and  falling  into  the  htinds  of  Theologians  who  possessed 
all  his  fondness  for  philosophizing,  though  without  his  ability^  was  the 
6ccasion  of  leading  many  of  (hem  into  consequences  of  which  he  nev-* 
er  thought,  and  which  he  would  have  regarded  with  abhorrence.— 
Having  taught  that  the  inability  of  sinners  to  believe  and  obey  the 
gospel  is  not  natural  but  moral;  his  followers,  by  an  easy,  though  very 
absurd  mistake,  took  occasion  to  assert  that  fallen  man  poi:sesses  all 
the  requisite  natural  ability  to  obey  the  commandments  of  God.  In 
vindicating  this  position  it  was  soon  found  necessary  to  assert  that  his 
intellectual  powers  are  not  affected  by  the  fall — that  his  moral  powers 
are  alone  depraved.  Hence  the  origin  oftJie  distinction  between  total 
and  universal  depravity.  That  man  is  totally  depraved  they  admitted  ;^ 
that  is,  his  heart  or  his  moral  powers  are  depraved ;  but  he  is  not  uni- 
versally depraved — his  understanding:,  &c.  is  as  unimpaired  as  Adam'& 
in  a  state  of  innocence ;  neither  indeed  can  moral  good  or  evil  be  pred- 
icated of  the  intellectual  faculties  or  of  their  operations. 

The  same  pious  author  having  incorrectly,  or  at  least  inadvertentlv 
taught,*  that  Christ  was  subject  to  ike  law  merely  as  a  man;  that  Iht 
righteousness  by  which  he  merited  Heaven  for  himself  and  his  peo* 
pie  consists  principally  in  his  obedience  to  the  Mediatorial  law,  to  which 
obedience  belongs  his  last  sufferings; — those  whx)  came  after  him  took 
occasion  to  say  and  teach,  that  what  is  commo/ily  called  the  active  obe- 
dience of  Christ  is  not  imputed  to  believers  for  their  justification  in  the 
sight  of  God;  hut  that  the  righteousness  of  Christ  consists  wholly  in  his 
sufferings,  and  the  consequent  act  of  justification  wholly  in  pardon,. 

^'fKit.  Ucdemplion.  p,  3:?T 


in  the  yenr  1702,  Dr.  Hopkins  of  Newport  puMi-^lieJ  ins  system  of 
Divinity,  in  whirli  he  taught  many  tenets  which  dKTercd  wiiiely  from 
tl)e  received  faith  of  the  Church  of  God;  r«nd  from  hrm  the  sjstenn  has 
dcriv<MJ  the  nanie  ol  Floplyinsinnism.  It  doc»  not  appear,  however, 
that  Dr.  Hopkins  embraced  all  the  views  which  at  present  f;o  under 
that  name.  In  its  present  d'^^rce  of  perfection,  this  system  of  doctrine, 
contains  among  many  others  of  minor  importance ,  the  foT.ouine  tenets, 
nil  of  which,  are  either  such  as  minister  questions  rather  than  God- 
ty  edifying^  or  such  as  are  manifeolly  sUDversive  6f  the  Gospel  ot 
Ctirist. 

1  .   That  all  true  holiness  consists  in  disinterested  bercvolerr r. 

2.  That  sin  and  holiness  are  immediately  created  by  God;  and  he  i 
hs  much  the  author  of  sini'ul  as  of  bo^y  volitions. 

3.  That  there  are  no  means  of  grace,  nor  promise?  -of  re^onerr.tjnj;; 
grace  to  the  doings  of  the  unregcneraled,  and  consequently  it  is  idle 
to  exiiort  sinners  to  pray  or  use  any  of  the  ordinances  of  God  as  means 
of  grace. 

4.  That  the  heart  of  man  6nly  is  affocfed  by  the  ''ill;  and  that  fallen. 
Than  possesses  jtll  the  requisite  natu-al  ability  to  believe  in  Christ,  and 
dbey  the  commands  of  God. 

5.  Th  it  although  Adam's  sin  was  the  6cc<!Z5i(5n  of  the  sinfulness  of  his 
future  ofT-jprmg,  yet  they  did  not  sin  in  him  and  fMl  witli  him;  but  by  a 
divine  constitution  it  was  made  certain  or  declared  to  be  so;  that  if  hc 
iinned  th<»y  should  in  like  manner  sin ;  so  that  sin  is  neither  imputed  nor 
conveyed  fr<^m  Adam  to  his  posterity,  but  he  simply  proved  the  occa- 
sion of  God's  bricging  all  his  posterity  into  the  world  in  a  state  of  moral 
depravity. 

6.  That  Christ  did  not  represent  the  elect  in  the  covenant  of  grace, 
«o  as  to  obey  and  sutler  in  their  room ;  nor  is  his  righteousness  imputed 
to  believers  so  as  to  become  their  justifying  righteousness. 

7.  That  faiCh  is  a  modification  of  love,  and  the  condition  of  Gospel 
Justication. 

8.  That  Christ  did  not  by  his  obedience  and  sufferings  satisfj^  the 
law  and  justice  ofGod,soas  to  purchase  pardon  reconciliation,  and  eter- 
nal salvation  for  his  people;  but  merely  suffered  as  a  general  saibstitute 
for  the  sinful  race  of  mankind,  that  the  real  disposition  of  G6d  towards 
sin  might  be  seen.  In  this  manifestation  of  the  disposition  of  God 
atonement  consists.  The  way  is,  therefore,  now  opened  for  God  to  be 
reconciled  to  sinners;  ancf  the  situation  and  circumstances  are  sucli, 
fhat  he  may  consistently  bestow  or  withhold  mercy,  just  as  shall  tend 
m'bst  effectually  to  answer  the  purpose  of  Divine  goodness;  while  he 
is  not  brought  under  any  covenant  engagement  to  Christ,  to  save  any 
of  the  human  ra«e.  Consequently  the  idea  of  Chiist  being  legally 
charged  with  the  guilt  of  the  representees,  and  of  tlieir  sins  being  re 
moved  by  the  atonement,  is  excluded. 

^.  It  is  requisite  to  the  existence  of  faith  and  of  every  saving  grace- 


that  the  sjTincr  should  have  such  a  disposition  as  imph^s  a  vi  ilfingnea^ 
to  be  dainned  for  the  glory  of  God ;  if  it  be  more  for  his  glorv,  that  he 
should  be  damned  than  saved. 

10.  To  which  now,  at  least,  may  be  ndded,  That  Christ  is  not  tJie 
Eternal  Son  of  God. 

A  few  years  ago,  this  dangerous  corruption  of  the  doctrine  of  our 
Saviour's  person  was  disowned  by  Hopkinsians  ger.erally:  or,  at  least, 
hy  those  of  that  school,  who  left  their  coantry  and  kindrtd,  to  settle  in 
places,  where  it  would  r.ot  have  been  well  receivtd.  But  those  days 
are  now  passed  away.  What  would  then  have  been  resented  as  a  slan- 
dei  had  they  been  charged  with  holding  it,  and  what  Hopkinsian  teach- 
ers then  held  back  a&too  olFonsive  to  Christian  ears;  is  now  proclaimed 
on  the  housetops  and  publicly  defended  both  from  the  pulpit  and  press. 
In  the  year  1822,  the  Rev.  Moses  Stuart^  an  Assistant  Professor  in  the 
Theological  Seminary  of  Andover,  addressed  a  volume  of  letters  t^i 
the  Rev.  Samuel  MilFer,  D.  D.  Professor  of  Ecclesiastical  History  in 
the  Princeton  Theological  Seminary,  on  the  eternal  generation  of  the- 
Son  of  God.  In  .ese  letters,  he  h^bors  hard  to  prove,  that  the  sub- 
ject on  which  he  professedly  writes,  has  no  existence.  The  titles  Fo 
ther  and  Son,  he  insists  do  not  denote  etepnal,  natuml,  and  necessary 
relations,  between  these  persone  in  the  Godhead.,  He  seems  to  think, 
he  has  done  someth'iij  of  importance  when  he  -has  made  it  appear, 
that  the  name  Son  of  God  has  in  some  rcppects  a  speciality  of  mean- 
ing: when  applied  to  the  Saviour,  Page  108.  But  what  is  this  '^spe- 
ciality of  meaning"?  Wtiy  ts  he  called  the  Son  of  God?-  The  Rev. 
Professor  does  not  leave  us  in  the  dark.  1.  "Christ  is  called  the  Sob 
of  God,  because  in  respect  of  his  human  nature,  (Page  110)  he  is  de- 
rived from  God.''  2.  Because  of  "/Ae  elevated  dignity  ivhich  tvas^ 
-conferred  upon  him  as  the  Messiah,,''^  page  1 »  5.  A  third  reason  creeps 
in,  because  *hohcn  hr  tvas  raised  from  the  rie.ad  there  rcns  the  cotnmencc^ 
menl  of  a  new  life,  i.  e.  someihins^  analogous  to  birth  or  generation.''^ 
]>at,  "The  principal  or  predominant  reason  for  giving  him  the  appel- 
lation, is,  because  he  is  the  Messiah — the  King,  Head  or  Lord  of  all 
"thinp:>,''   page  117.  - 

That  he  may  not  be  thought  singular  in  his  views,  he  takes  care  to 
inform  us  in  his  Introduction,  page  5,  that  ^^nearly  all  the  ministers  in 
Nc'vv  England,  since  he  has  been  upon  the  stage,  have,  so  far  as  he 
Knows  their  sentiments,  united  in  rejecting  it  [the  eternal  generation] 
or,  at  least,  in  re-2;arding  it  as  unimportant:''  Dr.  jVIJIler  has  replied^- 
in  a  style,  which  does  credit  to  his  talents  and  lear.'ungas  a  Theologian; 
?<r\i\  a;iVes  reason  to  hope,  that,  so  far  at  least,  a>s  his  influence  extentisi^ 
the  irWevciis  of  ^'general  orthodoxy"  are  well  supported  in  the  Prince- 
ion  School-.  Fie  detects  and  exposes  the  fallacy  of  muny  of  Stuart's 
Socinian  perversions  of  Scripture  in  the  most  satisfactory  manner:  sup- 
T>ort?i  his  side  of  the  question  that  the  Sonship  of  Christ  is  eternal  an4 
^iylne  by  cogent  Scripture  arguments:  and  administers  to  his  broth^^ 


^•>}iom  he  tlenms  in  an  error  by  no  means  of  small  iiiiportanoc,  sci'cral 
reproofs,  wiiich  derive  a  species  of  severity,  from  the  very  delicacy 
with  which  tliey  are  administered.  We  cannot  forbear  giving  the  fol- 
lowing as  a  specimen:  '*A  nuiiil>er  of  your  arguments;  the  strain  of  youi 
principal  objections;  and  the  licence  which  you  indulge,  in  many  cases, 
in  the  interpretation  of  Scriptures; — ail  savor  so  much  of  a  school  with 
which  I  should  abhor  the  thought  of  associating  your  respected  name, 
that  I  read  them  with  not  a  little  pain;  *****  yes,  my  dear 
sir,  though  I  know  you  abhor  the  sentiments  of  that  school  from  your 
beart:  yet  if  your  name  were  removed  from  the  title-page;  and  if  the 
several  passages  in  whicli  you  profess  your  firm  beliwf  in  the  Divinity 
of  Christ,  were  expunged  from  your  pamphtet,  I  should  really  suspect 
it  had  come  from  some  member  of  the  Unitarian  ranks,  rather  than  from 
the  midst  of  the  orthodox  camp  '* 

But  still,  this  is  not  the  worst.  In  Boston  and  its  vicinity,  there  has 
long  existed  a  party  who  embrace  the  Socinian  error.  These,  wiih 
some  others  who  agree  with  them  in  their  opposition  to  the  doctrine  of 
the  Trinity,  though  they  do  not  go  to  the  full  length  of  making  the 
Saviour  a  mere  man,  have  taken  to  themselves  the  name  of  Unilarians. 
They  have,  by  emigration  and  otherwise,  extended  themselves  far 
from  the  <*cradle  of  Socinianism;"  and  are  to  be  found  in  Philadelphia, 
yi  Baltimore,  in  Kentucky;  and,  indeed,  in  most  parts  of  the  U.  Slates. 

It  was  to  be  expected  that  the  Hopkinsian  yiews  of  the  Atonement 
would  produce  such  fruits:  for,  even  though  it  were  admitted,  that  those 
views  have  not  a  direct  tendency  towards  Socinianism;  they,  at  least, 
prepare  the  minds  of  those  who  embrace  them,  to  receive  the  Socinian 
errors  when  proposed.  That  the  doctrine  of  an  indefinite  atonement, 
however,  does  not  lead  directly  to  Socinianism,  we  most  firmly  believe. 
For,  if  Christ  did  not  die  to  satisfy  the  law  and  justice  of  God,  and  pur- 
chase salvation  for  his  people;  but  if,  as  Hopkinsians  say,  he  died  mere- 
ly to  make  a  display  of  ihe  hatred  of  God  against  sin,  so  that  this  being 
done,  he  may  in  sovereignty  extend  mercy  to  so,n?  or  all  or  none  of  the 
human  race,  as  seems  bast  to  his  infinite  wisdom:— thtn,  as  the  hatred 
of  God  against  sin  Is  displayed  in  the  punishment  of  Devils  and  finally 
impenitent  sinners,  and  in  the  declarations  of  hi«  word,  where  is  the 
absolute  necessity  for  an  atonement  made  by  a  Divuie  Saviour?  The 
ends  of  his  government  can  be  answered  without  it.  But  it  does  not 
agree  to  our  ideas  of  Goi  to  suppose,  that  ho  would  inflict  any  sulFerings 
on  Christ  without  an  absolute  necessity.  His  sufferings,  therefore, 
were  not  expiatory;  but  were  merely  incidental  to  the  discharftc  of  his 
duties  as  a  y  Teacher  sent  from  God."  But  that  an  atonement  may  be 
made  for  sin  is  the  great  reason  which  calls  for  a  Dhine  Saviour.  As, 
therefore  we  have  seen  that  this  reason  does  not  exist,  we  may  safely 
eonclude  that  Christ  is  not  Divine;  and  any  thing  in  the  Scriptures  an- 
Tiarently  to  the  contrary  must  be  charged  to  th^  account  of  metaphor 


^>l>"  i   VVARN'ING,    &.C. 

That  speculatil^e  men,  who  are  fond  of  carrying  their  principles  ou^^, 
will  arrive  at  the  conclusion  just  stated,  from  sucli  premises  as  the  IIop- 
kinsian  ideas  furnish  them,  admits,  we  think,  of  no  dispute.  But  it  is 
not  necessary  for  us  to  suppose  that  this  is  the  only  cause,  which  has  fa- 
vored, and  is  yet  favoring  the  growth  of  Socinianism.  It  may  he 
worth  remarking,  that  about  the  time  Dr.  Hopkins'  system  of  divinity 
was  published,  iTr.  Joseph  Priestly  whose  labors  in  the  Socinian  cause 
have  been  very  abundant,  arrived  in  the  United  States,  and  his  writings 
were  published  and  mucTi  read  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston.  Extracts 
from  his  works  still  continue  to  be  published  and  re-published  to  the 
world, inr  the  news-dealing  prints,  and  in  separate  pamphlets;  many  a 
scribbler  and  declaimer  against  the  true  .Deity  of  Christ  makes  heavy 
draughts  on  the  Doctor;  and,  but  for  the  aid  derived  from  him,  or  from 
writers  who  have  copied  him,  many  a  sectarian  preacher,  who  can 
harrangue  fluently  against  the  doctrines  of  the  Trinity,  and  of  the  Di- 
vinity of  the  Redeemer,  would  have  nothing  to  say. 

In  1795,  another  work  was  re-published  in  Boston;  which, though  it 
neith^  contains  Socinianism,  nor  Arianism,  nor  SabelJianism,  clearly 
marked,  yet  verges  towards  almost  every  error  relating  to  the  person  of 
Christ.  The  work  to  v/hich  we  allude  is  a  * 'Treatise  on  the  glory  of 
Christ  as  God-Man  by  Isaac  Watts,  D.  D.'  In  this  work  the  Doctor 
often  speaks  in  a  vague  and  loose  mariner  of  the  characters,  distinctions, 
relations  or  persons  in  the  Godhead;  and  if  he  ever  uses  a  language^  as 
lie  sometimes  does,  which  would  seem  to  denote  a  belief  in  the  doctrine 
of  three  persons  in  the  one  Divine  essence,  it  appears  rather  to  be  in 
compliance  with  the  usage  of  the  ortiiodox,  as  it  is  evident  he  wished  to 
offend  none,  but,  if  possible  make  his  views  of  the  constitution  of  our 
Saviour's  person  take  with  all.  Oo  this  subject  his  notion  appears  to  be 
that  the  human  soul  of  our  Saviour  had  a  very  early  existence,  being 
the  first  and  greatest  being  which  God  ever  made — that  under  the  Old 
Testament,  God  dlvvelt  in  this  humnn  soul,  which  he  often  calls  an  Jin- 
gel,  as  he  dwelt  in  the  pillar  of  cloud  and  fire,  though,  by  an  incompara- 
blv  more  near  and  intimate  union  ^'and  on  this  account  the  angel  may  be 
called  God  in  a  7nore  proper  manner,  than  the  fire,  clpud,  or  bush 
could  ever  be,*'  page  66-7.  That  ''though  the  Angel  who  revealed  the 
will  of  God  to  the  Patriarchs  and  Prophets  was  really  Jesus  Christ  the 
Son  of  God — 'yet  when  he  assumed  flesh  and  blood— and  became  a  com- 
plete man  by  a  miraculous  conception,  then  he  was  more  completely 
the  Son  of  God  both  in  soul  and  body,  •  page  69.  That,  "in  the  New 
Testament  when  this  glorious  person  appeared  among  men  as  the  Son  of 
God;  when  he  vvas  discovered  to  be  so,  in  his  body  by  his  extraordinary 
conception — when  he  Was  farther  made  the  Son  of  God,  by  his  being 
•'begotten  from  the  dead'^-r-when  he  was  preached  by  the  apostles  as 
the  only  begotten  Son  of  God, '^  both  in  his  pre-existent  and  incarnate 
state — he  sustains  hereby  a  superior  character  to  that  of  an  angel,  a 
servant  Of  mere  messenger,  even  that  of  God's  own  Son,"  page  7^.^ 


f  Recollect  vv^at  Professor  Stuart  means  by  the  name  Son  of  God,  aire] 
you  will  have  Dr.  Watt's  meaning.]  That  the  covenant  between  God 
tli^J'^athcr  and  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  cauld  not  be  proj^crly  made*'with- 
in  the  LJivine  essence,  by  such  sort  of  distinct  personalities,  as  havti 
jio  distinct  mind  or  will" — Ivat  we  should  suppose  Christ  [he  must 
mean  liis  human  soul]  to  hoal.^o  present  before  the  worhd  was  made,  tc 
be  chosen  or  .appointed  the  Redeemer  or  Reconciler  of  mankind,  to  bf 
then  ordained  the  head  of  his  future  people,  to  receive  promises  o 
grace  aod  blessings  in  their  name,  and  to  receive  the  solemn  and  weigh 
ty  tru^  from  the  hand  of  the  Father  i.  e.  to  take  care  of  millions  o, 
«Ouls,'f  page  193.  The  Doctor,  therefore,  teaches  that  it  was  thii 
Jlngel  or  human  soul  of  Christ,  who  had  glory  with  %ie  Father  be 
fore  the  world  was,  page  173—5;  that  it  was  he  "who  being  in  th< 
form  of  God  [i.  e.  was  vested  with  a  God-like  form  or  glory  as  the 
Doctor  inclines  to  interpret  it]  thought  it  not  robbery  to  be  equal  will 
God,  but  humbled  himself,"  &c.  page  176 — 9;  that  it  was  he  *''wh( 
though  he  was  rich  yet  for  our  sakes  became  poor,"  page  181 — that  i 
was  he  "who  came  down  from  Heaven  not  to  do  his  own  will,  but  th( 
will  of  Him  that  sent  him,"  page  133 — 4;  and  that  it  is  <<rather"  hi 
human  soul  who  is  ''the  Lord  from  Heaven,"  page  1S9. 

It  can  never  b^  mide  ;i  queslion,  whether  a  book  containing  fuel 
sentiments;  '^ould  circulate  through  tiie  Christian  community,  <indc 
the  respected  name  of  Watts,  without  producing  consequences  th 
most  disastrous.  In  addition  to  the  learning  and  apparent  piety  of  th 
author,  there  is  anotlicr  circumstance,  which  would  powerfully  coi 
tribute  to  recommend  Ins  opinions  (o  the  multitude.  His  Psalms  an 
Hymns  had,  for  a  length  of  lime,  been  used  in  the  praises  of  God  in  th 
New  England  churches,  as  they  still  are  both  ther<',  and  ekewhert 
Now  although  it  has  been  alleged,  that  whatever  may  have  been  th 
author's  creed,  no  un^^ound  views  of  these  all-important  subjects  appea 
in  his  poetical  compositions:  still,  this,  though  good  so  far  as  it  goei 
brings  but  small  aid  against  the  evil:  see  note  1,  at  the  end.  Admi 
that  his  Psalms  and  Hymns,  after  being  modified  by  Barlow,  Dwigh 
a»id..ithers,  contain  no  Socinianism,  nor  any  thing  allied  to  it;  yet  it  is 
fact  that  m  his  other  writings,  views  are  exhibited  which  have  no  frienc 
ly  aspect,  either  upon  the  Divinity  of  Christ,  or  a  Trinity  of  relate 
persons  in  the  Goilhcad.  Dr.  Ely,  a  leading  member  of  the  Presbytf 
rian  church,  and  who  is  inteccsted  in  defending  the  orthodoxy  of  Watt; 
as  far  as  circumstances  will  permit,  grants  it  to  be  ''incontestible,  thr 
some  of  his  later  writings  are  hostile  to  the  real  Deity  of  Christ,  and  th 
doctrine  of  the  Trinity:  Qii.  Theo.  Review,  Vol.  II  page  394.  Th 
same  gentleman  also  testifies,  that  Dr.  Watts'  Treatise  on  the  Pre-Ei 
istence  of  the  Human  Soul  of  our  Siviour  has  wrought  much  mischie 
It  has  enal)led  th«  Socinians  to  claim  that  good  man  as  one  of  thei 
Anti-Trinitarian  party.  It  was  the  book  which  first  turned  the  head  c 
*Vio  Key.  John  Sherman  of  Mansfteld  in  Connecticut;  for  we  well  it 


[^  A    WARNING    &.e^; 

icmbcr  to  have  seen  it  in  his  hand,  and  to  have  heard  [him  cotnraeril 
pon  it,  when  he  first  published  his  departure  (mm  the  faith,  to  the 
llericai  Association  of  which  he  was  a  member,  and  attempted  to  con* 
incethem  Ihat  Dr.  Watts  is  correct  in  his  Sabeliian  notions.  We  wish 
le  pernicious  consequences  of  that  treatise  had  terminated  here,"  &:c. 
);u-.  Thco.  Review,  Vol.  I,  p.  221.  And  James  R.  Wilson,  in  his  re- 
iew  of  a  pamphlet  published  by  Dr.  Miller,  has,  we  think,  fully  proved, 
lat  Dr.  Watts  was  an  Anti-Trinitarian,  as  that  term  is,  and  as  has 
Iways  been  understood  ^by^the  great  body  of  the  orthodox;  See  note 
r.  Now  the  use  of  his  Psalms  and  Hymns  cannot  fail  to  give  his  ntime 
reat  authority  in'the  Churches  wh^e  they  are  used.  The  poeple  ac». 
Listomed  to  ccflsider  hi  mas  no  ordinary  saint;  to  praise  bis  heaven  born 
nd  seraphic  piety;  and  to  honor  him, as  the  giver  of  so  excellent  a  Psalm 
Sx>ok,  must,  if  we  understand  any  thing  of  the  laws  of  the  hum«ii  mind.^ 
e  naeasurably  prepared  to  swallow  his  errors  wherever  they  meet  their*. 
)  his  writings.  They  can  suspect  no  poison  in  that  which  has  Watts' 
iaJv  Tne  miBcbief  is  heightened,  by  a  practice  whieh  prevails  to 
)me  extent  among  those; clergy  who  use  the  Doctor's  Psalms  and 
tymas — the  practice  of  citing  passages  from  the  i^jrmeandthe  God- 
/,  and  the  "Seraphic,"  and  the  '^Etherial*'  Watts  in  iheir  pulpit  exhi- 
itions,.  And  can  any  good  reason  be  given  wh}'  Watts  is  not  to  be 
3grtrded  as  tliat  same  high  authority  when  the  people  read  him,  as 
^hen  they  hear  liim  quoted  in  the  pulpil?  Must  he  not  be  entitled  to 
ie  same  credit,  when  quoted  by  a  Socinian  as  when  quoted  by  any 
rthodox  minister?  In  this  way,  whether  some  men  know  it  or  not^ 
i&rc  are  tho»e  who  do  knotu  that  the  use  of  the  Doctor's  Psalms  and 
Cymns  in  ihe  Church,  or  the  authority  which  it  gives  his  name,  is  of 
rea.t  service  to  those -who  war  against  our  Saviour's  truf:  and  proper 
)ivinity.  We  can  here  state  a  fact,  which  sufficiently  justifies  this  as- 
^rtion.  Son^e  years  ago,  a  work  was  published  by  Barton  W.  Stone, 
le  Great  A|M)stle  of  the  Western  New*Lights,  a  sect,  which  has,  by  a 
retty  high  author  ity,  been  denominated  a  "Socinian  Association ."  Ta 
reak  the  force  of  those  prejudice?,  which  he  saw  bristling  up  against 
im,  on  account  of  hio  heresy  respecting  the  person  of  Christ,  he,  in  one 
lace,  declares  himself  to  be  "a  follower  of  the  illustrious  Dr.  Watts  of 
'ngland,  and  Henry  Patillo  of  America;  Address-'NashviHe,  Tenn. 
si  1,  p.  13  &  19;  and  in  another,  refers  his  readers*  to  Dr.  Watts  on 
le  Glory  of  Christ,  for  a  more  full  view  of  his  sentiments^  in  relation 
D  the  pre-existent  human  or  angelical  soul  of  Christ.  Stone  knew 
rhat  means  to  u^e  with  those  who  might  still  have  some  small  hanker- 
igs  after  the  old  orthod>xy«  He  was  not  ignorant  of  the  magical  in- 
\i«nce  of  Watts'  name* 

Here  we  do  most  earnestly  deprecate  any  misconstruction  of  our 
lews  or  motives.  We  do  not,  by  any  means,  insinuate  that  any  man  is 
a:  be  esteemed  hostile  to  the  Divinity  of  Christ  because  he  uses  the 


A  WARNi:«;  &:c^  ^ 

Imitations  of  Dr.  Watts  in  praisini:^  God.  We  believe,  that  in  thosr 
churches  who  use  them,  there  arc  hundreds  aiid  thousands,  who  equalJj 
with  ourselves,  would  shudder  at  tfie  thciighl  of  letting:  go  tlieir  hoh 
on  a  Divine  Saviour;  and  with  hundreds  and  thousands  of  tliem,  wi 
hope  to  praise  God  to  all  eternity  in  a  far  happier  world,  where  llier* 
will  be  no  divisions  among  the  worsliippers  of  tl)e  Lamb,  nor  one  di<v 
cordant  note  in  the  mouths  of  those  who  lift  up  the  high  praise  of  Gofl 
Such  may  be  in  no  danger  of  beinjj  turned  aeide  from  the  truth.  IVJan-j 
of  them  may  never  see  tiie  exceptionable  writings  of  their  admiret 
Watts,  or  if  they  should  see  them,  their  lieart  is  too  firmly  '-establi^hei 
with  grace,"  for  them  to  be  seduced,  even  by  one  who  has  so  large  i 
•hare  in  the'rr  alTcctions  and  confidence.  But  all  arc  not  such.  s\ni 
we  tremble  for  their  children.  We  tremble  for  our  own  youlh,  wht 
dwellLig  among  them,  and  having  their  fancies  warmed,  and  all  iheii 
natural  sensibilities  touched  by  the  melodious  strums  of  Watts,  are  ir 
danger  of  being  allured  to  follow,  wherever  he  leads.  We  say  nothinjE 
designedly  to  wound  the  feelings  of  any  mortal.  We  judge  no  man'i 
servant.  We  would  not  arrogate  to  ourselves  the  office  of  a  *'reprov 
er  of  brethren."  But  if  any  of  those  esiimable  men  who  love  and  honoi 
our  Lord  Jfesus  Christ,  but  think  it  a  privilege  which  they  must  claire 
to  have  a  Psalm  Book,  as  they  suppose,  better  adapted  to  the  Christiar 
dispensation,  than  that  which  is  contained  in  the  Bible — if  any  sucfc 
getting  the  better  of  all  previously  existing  prejudices  against  oar  low- 
liness, should  ever  honor  our  pages  with  their  notice,  we  would  ask 
them:  fs  there  not  some  danger  here?  Among  the  causes  which  are  fa- 
voring the  growth  of  Socinianism  in  the  present  generation,  is  there 
fiot  one  to  be  found  on  or  near  the  spot  to  which  we  have  just  now 
pointed.''  And  if  they  must  have  what  they  call  a  Gospel  Psalmody, 
ought  they  not  for  the  truths  sake— for  the  sake  of  that  Church  which 
Cod  hath  purchased  with  his  blood,  and  which  is  in  danger  of  being 
overwhelmed  with  the  billows  of  Socinian  perdition,  ought  they  not  to 
place  it  before  them  as  a  desideratum,  to  have  a  system  with  which  the 
tiame  of  no  man  can  be  associated,  any  of  whose  writings  "are  incon' 
testibly  hostile  to  the  true  Deity  of  Christ"? 

One  word  more  on  this  subject.  Though  there  is  nothing  we  should 
more  regret,  than  its  being  supposed  that  these  remarks  arise  from  any 
unfriendliness  of  feeling;  and  though  the  great  evils  which  incnrvisw 
tnay  be  expected  to  result  from  the  celebrity  which  the  use  of  Watt's 
imitations  gives  to  his  name,  might  serve  as  our  apology  for  touching 
the  subject  as  we  have  done;  yet  it  is  perhaps  too  much  to  expect  that 
we  shall  pass  without  censure  from  many,  whom  we  would  rather  see 
taking  some  Fuch  view  of  things  a*f  ourselves.  The  right  to  charge 
those  with  bigotry  who  prefer  not  to  use  the  imitations  has  become  al- 
most prescriptive;  but  we  are  persuaded  that  there  is  also  a  bigotry 
tb  Wabts,  which  is  by  no  means  the  most  gentle  thing  in  the  world. — 
The  PirJmf  of  the  Bible  may  be  despised  and  ridiculed  T^^hen  render- 


cdr  into  a  faithful  metre  version;  David  may  be  called  a  ^ew  who2^ 
mind  was  too  dark  to  enlighten  such  Christians  as  perhaps  only  yes- 
terday  "got  religion"  in  a  revival;  he  may  be  accused  of  having  utter- 
ed under  the  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  curses  too  shocking  to  be 
repeated  by  Christian  lips;  and  pious  minds  rhay  be  grieved,  because 
in  their  view,  a  slur  is  thus  cast  on  the  whole  Book  of  God,  of  which' 
ih^  Psalms  are  a  part:— but  however  careful  you  may  be  to  let  tho 
Rshes  of  Watts  rest,  you  shall  not  be  permitted  to  say  one  word  about 
the  questionable  tendency  of  the  use  of  his  imitation&  in  the  praises  oi' 
God,  without  offence.  And  it  has  often  been  witnessed  that  the  fond 
admirers  of  Watts  hav6  been  otfended  when  certain  tenets  were  im- 
puted to  him,  asserting  that  he  held  no  such  tenets,  and  that  it  was  a 
slander  on  the  memory  of  a  pious  man  to  say  so;  but  whe.n  shown  from' 
his  own  writings  that  he  did,  they  have  immediately  begun  to  extenu- 
ate, to  palliate^  to  defend.  Thus  what  at  first  was  esteemed  too  had 
to  be  uttered  by  Watts;  becomes  when  uttered  by  him  good  enough  to 
be  received  as  pure  and  wholesome  doctrine.  This  only  shows  how- 
easy  and  how  common  a  thing  it  is  to  extend  our  afTeclioH  for  a  man,  in- 
tb  an  affection  for  hh doctrine;  and  is  an  illustration  of  the  ominous  as» 
pect  which  the  authority  of  Watts'  name,  bears  upon  the  future  inter- 
fTsts  ©f  the  church  of  God . 

What  proportion  Hopkinsians  and  Soicinians,  bear  to  the  orthodox  \ti 
the  American  Churches,  we  possess  no  means  of  forming  a  correct  es- 
timate; but  from  the  number  of  causes  operating  to  make  men  fall  into 
their  ranks,  it  cannot  be  doubted  that  theii*  number  is  great  and  daily 
increasing.  Ingruit  horror:  the  dreadful  havoc  which  they  are  mak  '■■ 
ipg  among  the  dearest  hopes  of  men  is  still  growing  nearer.  Mr.  Stu- 
art of  whom  we  have  already  spoken  as  hostile  to  the  Eternal  Sonshiji 
of  Christ,  is  a  professor  of  Sacred  Literature  in  the  Theolocical  School 
of  Andover;  and  has  with  his  students  the  reputation  of  being  a  greal 
Biblical  critic.  Mr.  Murdock  another  Professor  in  the  same  School, 
has  lately  published  a  work  on  the  Atonement;  in  wiiich  he  is  thought' 
by  some  of  the  brethren  to  have  renounced  all  that  is  vital  to  the  hopes 
of  a  sinner  in  that  precious  doctrine.  Dr.  Griffin  a  quondaTn  Profes- 
sor also  in  the  same  institution,  some  time  since  favored  the  w^orld  with 
his  views  of  the  Atonement.  The  difference  between  him  and 
Mr.  Murdock,  to  use  his  own  words,  is  chiefly  vereai.;  and  from  \\\9 
appendix  it  appears  he  is  not  far  from  being  ^^altogether  such  afi''  Mr. 
Siuart,  in  relation  to  the  Sonship  of  our  Saviour.  The  number  of 
students  who  attend  the  school  for  Theological  instruction  is  very  great; 
and:  none  of  them  so  far  as  has  came  to  our  knowledge,  leave  it  without 
having  at  least  imbibed  Professor  Stuart's  notions.  And  if,  as  we  ve»> 
rily  believe,  those  notions  have  a  tendency  to  unsettle  and  -distract  the 
minds  of  Christians  on  the  question  who  Christ  is;  if  when  "the  i»ass  ol 
>T>lain  unlettered  Christians  are  made  to  believe  that  the  title  Son  in  the 
i<§1-m  ofbapli^m  prescribed  by  our  Saviour,  and  in  other  p^rj^  of  Scriju 


A    WAHNIWC,    8tC*  65 

ture,  does  not  express  an  eternal  relation  aiul  person  in  the  Codiicnd 
«*  sicc/ij  but  something  else  and  something  less;  no  criticism  or  expla- 
nation— ihat  can  be  given  will  be  likely  to  prevent  their  fi\ith  in  thr- 
Divinity  ot' the  Saviour,  and  in  the  Trinity  ji,enerally  from  being  s( 
riously  shaken;  if  many  will  be  ready  to  suppose,  that  if  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  is  Son  by  ofhce;  and  not  naturally  and  eternally,  he  niiy  on 
similar  principles,  be  God  by  ollice:' — then  will  tlie  growth  and  prt-s- 
])crity  of  that  institution,  be  closely  allied  to  the  success  of  another 
cause,  and  Socinianism  will  flourish  just  in  proportion  to  the  copious- 
ness of  the  streams  which  issue  from  that  fountain. 

The  Western  NcwIighL?,  a  party,  who  are  the  olfsprmp;  of  the  famous 
Revival  which  took  pl.ice  in  the  Middle  arid  W^estein  Stales,  aliout  th<i 
year  IGOl,  are  geneialiy  Unitarians,  'i'heir  great  leader,  Barton  W. 
Stone^  whom  we  have  lately  seen  borrowing  the  sanction  of  his  opin- 
ions from  Dr.  Watts,  is  indefatigable  in  the  propagation  of  his  creed; 
both  in  his  itinerations  among  the  societies  of  liis  connection,  and  in  liis 
writings,  which  are  every  few  years  issuing  from  the  press.  They  have 
arrayed  themselves  under  a  jja?'^)/ standay-d,  for  the  declared  purpose 
of  putting  down  all  parties  in  the  church;  and  like  most  who  hold  OTit 
.such  professions,  they  endeavor  to  accomplish  their  object,  by  prob»e- 
lyting  all  to  their  own  party.  They  have  a  Considerable  number  of 
preachers;  most  of  them  illit'^rate,  but  all  of  them  able  to  infuse  prej- 
udices into  the  minds  of  the  simple  multitude,  against  the  doctrine  of 
the  Trinity,  and  those  other  fundamental  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  which 
stand  or  fall  with  it. 

These  tenets  have  alao  made  their  appearance  amoiig  ibe  iTaptists. 
AVilson  Thompson  a  preacher  of  that  denomination,  a  few  years  ago 
published  at  Lebanon  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  a  small  volume  entitled 
^'•Simple  Truth;"  in  which,  so  far  at  least  as  the  person  of  Christ  is 
concerned,  he  advanced  substantially  the  same  ideas  with  those  taught 
by  Dr.  Watts  and  Barton  W.  Stone;  See  note  3.  He  was  answered 
with  considerable  decision,  by  some  brethren  of  his  general  persuasion, 
l)ut  is  siid  to  have  a  strong  party  who  adhere  to  him,  and  are  highly 
offended  with  those  who  opposed  the  dogmas  of  their  favorite. 

Thetimeis  then  surely  come,  when  it  is  necessary  for  all  those  watch- 
men on  the  walls  of  Zion,  who  are  not  prepared  to  see  the  C-hurch  of- 
God,  glide  into  such  defections  from  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  to  lift 
up  their  warning  voice.  An  alarm  must  be  blown.  **Th(;  enemy  is 
coming  in  like  a  flood,"  under  the  garb  of  a  fri(>nd;  professing  to  hold 
out  to  the  followers  of  the  Lamb  a  better  light  than  that  by  wdiich  the 
Church  has  been  conducted  from  the  beginning;  starting  them  in  pur- 
suit of  an  ig-nas^futuiis;  and  then  leavin;;  them  in  **darkness  visible." 
The  trumpet  must  give  a  certain  sound.  'l'hii»gs  must  bo  called  by 
their   proper  nane?-     The  sheep  of  Christ  nuist  be   told   what  those 

errors  ate  which  are  doing  present  injury — where  they  exist and 

^rhn  are  engaged  in  urging  them  on.     This  wc  have  endeavored  to 


«5tj  A  O'ARKING,   &LC. 

do,  as  fully  as  it  was  possible  for  u=,  in  the  narrow  Wmfis  io  wliich  we 
must  be  confined.  They  must  also  be  furnished  with  armour  to  defend 
themselves  against  tlie  rude  assaults  of  the  enemies  of  tiuth.  Thia^ 
we  sliallyet  endeavour  to  do. 

We  doubt  not,  but  for  this  attempt,  many  will  be  disposed  to  east  out 
"our  names  as  evil.''  We  expect  to  hear  oursehes  accused  of  being 
Jacking  in  charity,  that  lovely  Christian  grace; and  our  influence  what- 
ever it  may  be,  will  no  doubt  be  regretted,  as  ha\inp  an  unhappy  ten- 
dency to  retard  that  general  union  amciig  profe^sirg  Christiarr?,  which 
many  take  to  themselves  great  credit  for  lov;Dg  ar.d  Tbeing  zealous  to 
promote,  while,  o^f  the  real  grounds  of  division,  they  perhaps,  know  but 
little;  and  have  never  been  at  much  pains  to  inquire  how  far  union 
would  be  desirable,  and  how^  it  may  l*  best  cllecfed.  But  we  hope 
this  little  piece  will  hove  no  such  evil  influence.  We  know,  that  the 
exciting  causes  of  divisions  in  ihe  church,  are  before  those  divisioDS 
themselves;  and  these  causes  must  be  done  away,  before  we  can  "all 
come  in  the  unity  of  the  faith,  and  of  the  know  ledge  of  the  Son  of  God, 
unto  a  perfect  man,  unto  the  measure  of  the  stature  of  the  fulness  of 
Christ."  Profei=^sing  Christians — a  name  which  applies  to  Socinians* 
Arians,  Hopkinsians,  Arminians  and  Calvinists — must  have  "one  mind 
and  one  mouth,"  at  least,  in  some  greater  degree  than  we  see  them 
have  at  present,  before  "with  one  mind  and  one  mou{h,"they  can  "glo- 
rify God  even  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jcshs  Christ."  Ard  now,  who- 
soever, shall  declare  themselves  in  favor  of  sucfe  a  union  as  this,  and 
shaji  in  very  deed  labor  with  ail  fidelity  to  biing  all  parties  (o  unite  in 
speaking  the  "language  of  Canaan" — lo  t/iey/iy  we  shall  sny»  ma^/ 
the  Lord  God  prosper  you  in  the  n-^ay  z(>he7'eini/cit  go;  ax](i  wCf  ihou^h 
fieeblej  and  unworthy  to  be  employed  in  so  haliowcd  a  cause,  will  join 
you  with  what  aid  we  can  bring. 

Causes  which  ought  to  have  no  such  iniluence,  do  indeed,  in  some 
instances  separatebetween  the  followers  of  the  Redeemer;  but  a  union 
of  all  sects  and  parties,  holding  all  their  jariing  creeds  and  professions, i3 
we  believe,  neither  pofsil)!.'' r.or  desirable;  and  if  it  weieeven  possibleto. 
effect  it.  by  the  aid  ofscjne  charm,  the  patent  for  which,  has  rot  yet 
been  taken  out— human  nature  is  frail — and  it  would  exist  i>o  longer, 
than  till  difTerencesofviewsqpinions,&c.  would  excite  controversies. and 
controversies  angry  passions;  and  it  cannot  require  more  wisdom  than 
falls  to  the  lot  of  ordinary  rrien  to  tell  how  l-ong  this  would  be.  7"hose 
denominations  which  have  made^orare  nowmakingthe  rxperiment,and 
are  labourinsj  assiduously  to  reconcile  contradictions  in  their  own  boscm, 
can  best  tell  whether  the  "joyous"  crrcumstances  connected  with  such 
a  state  of  things,  counterbalance  those  which  are  "grievous."  We 
had  almost  said  that  we  could  venture  io  make  the  appeal  to  Dr.  Ely 
himself;  but  on  a  little  reflection  it  occurred  to  us,  tliat  he  nray  have 
r.cas.0D?  ofhis  own  for  giving.thc  decision  against  us. 


OF    THE    TRIVITl^  ^ 

That  genjllcBaan,  losing  sip;ht,  as  we  think, of  liis  dignity,  as  a  r«pe(*!- 
ible  vninistcr  of  a  church  highly  rcspcctriblc  for  itsnumhers  and  iuflu- 
cjicein  the  connm'inity,  has  boon  pleased  to  shew  himielf  out  of  humoi 
with  us  and  others,  who  choose  to  abide  in  our  own  comnnunion,  in  pre- 
f.  rerice  to  conn^ecting  ourselves  with  his  denomination.  In  the  exuber- 
.iicc  of  his  charity,  he  can  sec  nothing  but  the  basest  motrves  or  the 
most  stupid  prejutiices  iniluencing  us  to  such  a  determination.  VV  c 
feel  no  disposition  to  '^render  railing  for  railing,"  His  situation  suits 
him  best,&  probably  ours  suits  us  ns  well.  He  has  become  known  both 
to  the  Christian  and  un-Chrifttian  public  by  his  opposition  to  his  Hopkin- 
sian  brethren;  arul  hasjriscn  to  an  eminence  as  a  controvcitist,  \^hich  he 
probabl)'  never  would  otherwise  have  acquired,  by  arraying  himself 
uiuier  a  bostilc  standard  against  tho-:e  with  whom  be  is  living  in  th(^. 
most  close  and  sacred  communion,  and  we  arc  willi.ig  to  let  him  enjoy 
all  the  pleasure.  See  note  4.  t>ut  as  we  never  did  suppose  that  wo 
coiihl  render  ourselves  famous  by  goiiig  "up  to  war  against  our  breth- 
ren," as  J  as  we  reajly  h;ive  no  such  desire;  wo  wish  to  enjoy  a  privi- 
lege common  to  ourselves  with  other  free  men  in  this  land  of  liberty; 
and  only  ask  lum  and  those  other  conductors  of  the  P.  Magazine,  to 
excuse  us,  while  we  file  off  in  'Hittle  squadrons"  into  humbler  tield^ 
where.  fa«"  fion  the  "voice  of  mii;hty  captains,"  we  may  as  murh  as  ik 
MS  lies,  live  peaceably  with  all  men. 

THE  TESTIMONY 

ON   THE   DOCTE.SKS   OP   THE   TniNlTY. 

TFIA T  there  is  but  "One  only  living  and  true  God,"  is  a  doctriim 
clc^arly  revealed  in  the  scriptures,  and  which  so  fully  accords  with 
sound  reason,  that  it  needs  only  to  be  nntde  known^  to  obtain  its  sanc- 
tion. None  but  i[eathens,  and  a  few  Paganizmg  Christians  ever  de- 
nied it.  it  IS,  therefore,  unnecessary  to  undertake  the  vindication  of 
this  fundamental  article  of  all  religion.  But  there  is  another  truth 
revealed  m  the  scriptures,  of  equal  importance  to  the  faith  and  hope  of 
men;  but  which,  being  a  matter  o[piirc  revelalion,  and  therefore  not 
"seen  in  the  things  which  are  made,"  has  always  met  with  much  oppo- 
sition from  that  human  pride,  which  would  consider  its  glory  stained, 
were  it  thought  to  believe  any  thing,  which  it  could  not  boast  of  having 
reasoned  out.  ""In  the  Unity  of  the  Godhead,  there  are  three  persons 
of  one  substance,  power,  and  eternity,  God  the  Father,  God  the  Son 
and  God  the  Holy  Ghost." 

This  doctrine  is  opposed  with  great  virulence  and  spite,  by  self-styled 
rational  and  liberal  minded  Christians,  As  we  cannot  yield  our  confi- 
dence in  the  Divinity  i\r\<[  distinct  personality  of  the  Father  who  pJah« 


^^  t>r   THE    TRINI'TV. 

ned,  of  the  Son  who  purchased,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost  tvho  applie?,  our 
salvation,  we  must  to  our  latest  breath,  and  with  our  utmost  eftbrt?,  de- 
fend this  precious  doctrine:  and  by  the  grace  of  God,  we  are  resolved, 
that  no  reproaches  of  prejudice  or  bigotry,  shall  ever  make  us  keep 
silence,  or  compromit  the  glory  of  a  Triune  God  and  the  salvation  of 
immortal  souKs,  for  the  praises  of  men,  who  talk  with  as  much  corfi- 
dcnce  as  if  they  had  monopolized  all  the  wisdom,  and  the  rc^ason,  and 
the  learning  in  the  world.  The  doctrine  for  which  we  contend,  we 
know, has  been  believed, and  profeaset^  and  held  dear,  in  every  age  of 
the  Church  by  men  who  were  pious,  and  wise,  and  intelligent;  at  the 
present  day,  it  enters  into  the  creed  of  men  who  can  boast  at  least  an 
equal  share  of  learning,  and  can  exhibit  as  convincing  proofs  of  their 
emancipation  from  the  tyranny  of  established  o|)inions,  as  any  of  their 
acruserf?;  but  even  if  this  were  not  so,  we  know  that  it  is  taught  in  the 
JSible^  and  this  is  enough  for  us. 

The  cry  which  the  opponents  raise  against  the  doctrine  of  the  Trini- 
ty, or  th  it  there  are  three  persons  in  the  one  Jehovah,  Godhead,  or  Di- 
vine essence,  is,  that  it  is  absurd,  unintelligible,  contrary  to  reason. 
But  is  there  reason  mail  this  confidence  of  assertion?—  or  impious /?re- 
sumption?  Who  qualitied  them  to  decide  so  peremptorily',  as  to  the 
Jnode  o{  h\s  existence  who  is  unsearchable?  By  what  extraordinary 
lights,  witiiheld  from  other  men,  have  they  been  fitted  to  decide  with  so 
much  positiveness,  what  may  or  77iay  not^  rationally  be  predicated  of 
him,  whose  essence,  whose  attributes  and  ways,  they  must,  if  they  have 
modesty  remaining,  acknowledge  they  cannot  "find  out  unto  perfec- 
tion?" Let  them  reflect,  how  little  fhey  know  of  a  subject  concerning 
which,  their  mode  of  objecting,  takes  for  granted,  they  know  all. 

But  wherein  is  the  doctrine  of  a  Trinity  of  ineffably  related  persons 
in  the  God-head,  absurd  or  contrary  to  reason  ?  Clamour  as  loud  and  aa 
long  as  men  may,  it  involves  no  contradiction  in  terms  to  say  that  ihret 
persons  make  one  God,  It  does  not  say  that  "God  is  three  in  ibe  some 
respect  that  he  is  one — but  tliat  in  one  respect  he  is  three  and  in  another 
one.  The  Trinity  refers  to  one  respect  of  the  God-head  ,  the  Unity  to 
another."  The  Unity  is  predicated  of  his  essence^  the  Trinity  of  his 
mode  of  subsistence*  The  doctrine  is  not  that  three  persons  make  one 
person,  or  that  three  Divine  beings  make  one  Divine  being,  but  that 
three  persons  are  one  God  or  Divine  essence.  But  the  opponents  al- 
lege— what?  The  same  thing  over  again — this  is  contrary  to  reaeon: 
for  according  to  all  that  we  have  ever  seen  or  heard,  just  so  many  per- 
sons as  you  have, just  so  many  distinct  beings.  But  is  not  this  the  folly 
and  impiety  ^'of  venturing  to  do,  what  in  the  scriptures  we  are  forbid- 
den to  do,  i.  e.  conceiving  of  God  as  ifhetv^re  altogether  siieh  an  one  as 
mirsehes?"  God  indeed  speaks  to  us  in  our  own  language,  but  it  is 
plain  that  the  language  of  men,  when  applied  to  God,  cannot  have  in 
all  respects,  the  same  meaning  as  when  applied  to  the  creatures.  W^ 
■are  not  to  understand  the  word  person,  in  that  gross  carnal  sense^  wheo 


U3evi  in  rclLTcncc  to  Coil,  as  when  nscd  in  reference  to  meX).  What 
it  nneans  we  arc  humbly  to  learn  from  the  scriptures;  which  ascribe 
personal  action?,  rehUions,  Sec,  to  the  Father,  Son,  and  HoJy  Ghost. 
Farmer  than  the  scriptures  make  it  necessary  for  us  to  go,  we  ought 
Dot  to  push  the  idea.  And  of  ^uch  persons  as  only  can  a^ree  to  God, 
may  there  not  be  ihree  in  the  Divine  essence  ?  Deny  it,  and  you  vir- 
tually St4y,  that  there  can  be  no  properties  in  the  nature  of  him  who  is  in- 
comprehensible, w  hich  we  do  not  perceive  in  the  creaturcF.  And  then 
ought  not  the  reason  of  your  rejecting  thc<Joctrine  of  the  Trinity  to  be. 
expressed  in  other  languiige?  You  n  ject  it,  not,  as  you  sa}'  "becausf» 
it  is  contrary  to  that  reason  which  God  has  given  us,  but  because  it  is 
contrary  to  our  woak,  tbolish«nd  superficial  piejudices;"  you  reject  it 
because  It  is  contrarj'  to  that  vanity  whicti  pulTs  iw  up  with  the  conceit, 
th'it  nothing  is  credible  that  we  carmot  illustrate  by  facts  which  have 
ccme  under  our  observation. 

We  have  said  that  the  doctrine -of  three  per«!OTts  in  one  Jehovah  in- 
volves no  contradiction  in  terms;  norany  idea  which  can  be  said  to  be 
-contrary  to  reason.  I(  only  involves  7\fa/:t^  which  like  the  Eternal  ex- 
istence of  God,  his  omnipresence,  and  his  several  perfections  is  above 
our  reason; — transcends  our  comprehension:  r-nd  this  its  incomprehen- 
sibility, puts  it  forever  out  of  our  power  to  say  whether,  if  it  were  ox- 
plained,  or  if  it  were  capable  of  being  explained  to  our  finite  minds,  it 
would  accord  with  our  reason  or  not.  The  same  holds  of  the  omnipres- 
ence of  God,  and  of  every  perfection  of  his  nature.  And  there  would 
be  quite  as  much  wisdom  and  as  much  trulh  in  saying,  that  the  doctrine 
of  the  scriptures  in  reJation  to  any  of  these  is  contrary  to  reason,  as  in 
making  the  assertion  concerning  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity. 

But  it  will  be  asked,  how  can  we  believe  a  thing  we  cannot  compre- 
hend.? Take  this  ground  then,  and  you  must  fasten  the  character  of  in- 
credibility on  a  thousanti  facts,  the  existence  of  which,  no  man  of  com- 
mon sense, calls  in  question.  Can  you  explain  the  magnetical  influenee 
— how  it  operates?  Can  you  explain  a  blade  of  grass — how  it  grows^ 
Can  you  explain  your  own  existence — the  union  of  your  soul  and  bodj 
— and  how  the  one  mtlueaces  the  other?  You  cannot.  These  are  in- 
explicable mysteries  to  you.  Then  on  your  principles,  you  mus^  dis- 
believe their  existence.  But  this  is  not  the  half.  Can  you  compiehend 
God?  Can  your  mind  gra?p  any  of  his  perfeclions?  Is  theie  not  here,  a 
length  and  breadth,  a  depth  and  height  which  passeth  knowledge? 
Hold  fast  your  principle  then,  and  you  must  deny  that  God  exists,  or 
that  he  has  any  attributes.  And  more:  the  blessedness  of  heaven  that 
'^'exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory,"  is  unutterable,  incomprelien- 
siblc.  Believe  nothing  mysterious  or  incomprehensi[)le  then,  and  you 
must  derjy  the  existence  of  all  th«se  things.  Are  you  really  prepared 
to  do  so? 

But,  it  is  asked,  if  the  existence  of  three  persons  in  the  Godhead  he 
;i/lcomprehensible,  of  what  use  ran  it  be  to  believe  it?    ^Vherc  is  tin? 


70  d^    'ftlE    TRIXITF* 

iiiility  of  the  doctrine'^  Imposing  as  this  objection  appears  at  first  sight, 
it  is  really  so  superficial,  iIkiI  the  like  of  it  would  be  sought  for  in  vain, 
*imong  all  the  follies  of  the  human  mind.  Let  us  try  the  principle  of 
tlie  objection  in  relation  to  some  other  things.  Is  it  not  of  great  utility 
to  mankind  to  know,  that  under  certain  limitations,  the  magneticai 
needle  will  keep  its  polar  direction  in  every  clime?  Cannot  the  mari- 
ner sail  the  trackless  oct-nr.  with  perhaps  as  much  certainly  ai.d  safety, 
as  if  the  mystery  were  fully  unfolded?  Is  not  the  knowledge  that  a  hu- 
man person  consists  of  a  material  body,  and  a  raiional  soul,  ol  great 
nlility  to  us,  though  we  cannot  explain  the  union  between  these  two 
constituent  part5  of  our  nature''  Aiid  to  ascend  to  a  fur  more  sublime 
object: — Is  not  the  little  which  is  known  of  the  incomprehensible  God 
of  great  use  in  the  world?  Cannot  the  Christian  adore  him,  and  confide 
in  him,  and  hope  in  his  mercy,  though  he  cannot  tell  kotv  he  is  ''from 
everlais^ing  to  everlasting  God''''  May  not  the  omnipresence  of  God,  be 
a  source  of  consolation  to  the  Bible  believer,  though  in  this  world,  and 
rno^t  probably  in  the  next,  he  never  will  be  able  fully  to  comprehend 
how  it  is  thatGoxl  \stvholfy  present  in  every  point  of  bis  creation;  an4 
yet  at  the  samf  tvme,  not  in  the  smallest  degree  remote^  from  th.e  mo£t 
insignificant  of  his  creatures  in  every  other  part  of  his  wide  dominjout? 
Why  then  fff;ould  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity  be  of  no  use,  unless  we 
can  fully  comprehend  th^  fact? 

It  ought  therefore  to  be  eriougli  for  us,  if  we  find  the  doctrine  clearly 
tauf^ht  in  the  Bible.  We  may  safely  receive  those  delinf  ations  of  him- 
self, which  he  who  only  perfectly  und'^rstandshis  own  nature  gives  in  his 
word:  nor  can  we,  withoat  the  utmost  impiety:  refuse  to  «  mbmce  any 
thiog  as  truth,  which  he  has  revealed  ic  relation  to  his  mcx/e  of  suhsiS' 
tence-  however  far  it  may  be  above  our  reason.  It  would  be  strange  in- 
deed, if  a  bcok,  purporting  (o  be  a  revelation  from  God,  should  contain 
nothinf^-  which  is  above  our  ken — strange,  if  there  should  be  there  n& 
*'ki«oNv)ed2:e  too  high  for  us,"  into  which  we  may  desire  to  look  through 
eternity^  and  through  eternity  be  still  penetrating  farther  and  farther 
iiito  without  ever  being  able  fully  to  fathom.  The  weak  mind  of  man 
cannot,  indeed,  originate  any  thing  beyqpd  its  own  grasp:  but  our  ca- 
"):\city  is  not  the  mef^sure  of  God's  understanding.  And  if  in  God,  and 
in  all  his  works,  mysteries  abound,  why  not  in  his  word?  Reasoning 
ficm  analogy,  instead  o-f  rejecting  the  Bible  revelation  for  its  myste- 
i:ies,  we  should  ratiier  have  reason  to  reject  it  if  it  contained  none. 

The  direct  and  positive  testimony  of  Scripture  in  favor  of  this  doc- 
trine is  abundant.  We  shall  only  attempt  to  give  you  a  specimenj  advi- 
sing yo^i  to  study  the  subject  carefully  for  yourselves. 

There  are  three  persoiis  every  where  spoken  of  in  the  Scriptures,  to 
rrhom  the  names,  titles,  attributes  and  works  of  God  are  ascribed. 
They'are  represented  as  being  concerned  about  the  work  ©f  creation, 
a-nxi  the  salvation  of  sinners,  in  a  way  in  which  none  but  God  could  be 
..oncerned.     They  arc  spoken  of  as  distinct,  and  yet  concurring,  in  ajl 


OF    THE    TRTXITV. 

<lic  works  which  arc  ascribed  to  God.  Or.o,  the  Father  is  Sii'\<]  io  fknrf^ 
the  Son  is  said  to  be  se?ii  by  th  •  Fat»\*»r,  and  to  cinnv;  and  tlic  Holy 
Ghost  is  s;ud  iocome,  and  io'-^'procpcilfram  the  Father  and  Uic,  Sou  '* 
This  lantiuatje  undoubtedly  lays  a  (ounc'atiou  for  a  disrtinclioji  of  j. 
«ons.  We  often  find  them  in  one  sentence  distinctly  and  .severally  euu- 
tnerated  under  appropriate  titles.— Tlio  fnrin  of  the  apo^l<>li^nl  bene- 
diction runs  thus:  ''•The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesn^^  CiMist,  the  love  of 
God,  and  the  communion  of  (he  llo)^  Ghost  he  with  >ou  nil."  Some- 
times the  Father  is  mentioned  b<fore  tlie  Son;  but  som<times  the  Son 
is  placed  before  the  Father,  a.*^  ii'on  purpose  «o  j^uard  us  n^aine't  (he 
mistake  of  supposing  him  interior  in  Divine  character  and  dignity.  The 
apostles  were  commanded  to  '^bapii/p  all  rtilions,  in  the  name  of  the 
Father  and  of  the  Son  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  ^'•TheSonand  the  Ho- 
ly Ghost  are  here  put  on  a  par  with  l)ie  Father,  both  a?  to  personalilr 
aod  DivitK*  rhararter."  -mt) 

But,  there  is  apassagein  the  xlviii  cliapter  of  Isaiah,  w'nieh  contain* 
•a  full  and  unequivocal  testimony  to  the  truth — **Aii(i  now  the  Lord 
God  and  his  Spirit  hath  sent  me.'*  v.  }6.  The  speaker  here  is  evident- 
ly the  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  for  in  the  12th  verse  he  calls  himself  <</he 
first  and  the  last,"  which  is  a  New  Tesliiment  description  of  our  Sa- 
viour. The  *^Lord  God"  it  will  not  be  denierl  is  a  person.  Asd  ast 
persons  only  perfornV actions,  the  <*S|>irit,"  must  also  he  aj:>ersctf);  for 
the  ac/io?i  of  sending  is  asciibed  to  him  in  conjuction  with  the  '*Lord 
4:;od/'  i-  e.  the  Father.  That  the  first,  i.  e.  the  "Lord  God,"  is  true 
and  very^  God,  none  will  deny.  A  little  attention  to  the  context  will 
convince  any  candid  person,  that  the  speaker  claims  the  works  and  pre- 
rogatives of  <Tod;  and  he  is  moreover  expressly  called  '*lhe  ti*ue  Go5 
and  Eternal  Life,"  1  John  v,  20.  And  for  the  Divinity  of  the  Spirit 
■we  have  positive  testimony.  In  the  Acts  of  the  Ajx)stlc3  v,  3,  An- 
anias and  Sapphiraare  said  to  ^*lie  to  the  Holy  Ghost^'' but  in  the  verse 
follawinej  speaking  evidently  of  the  same  person,  they  are  said  to  have 
**lied  to  God."  The  Holy  Ghost  therefore  is  God.  Now  eithertliese 
three  persons  are  three  Gods,  ci'  they  are  but  one  and  the  same  God. 

Our  business  is  to  explain  Scripture,  and  in  doing  this  we  niTist  cv- 
-er  carry  with  us  this  principle,  tliat every  partis  consi^ent  with  ^xcry 
other  parL  We  cannot  therefore,  admit  the  first  supposition,  i.  e.  that' 
these  three  persons  are  three  Gods;  for  this  would  contradict  the  great 
revealed  truth  that  there  is  but  one  God:  we  must  consequently  adopt 
the  last,  that  tliese  three  persons  are  one  God.  And  Uiis  we  do  \v\\h 
the  greater  freedom  as  an  inspired  Apostle  has  done  it  before  us:  * -There 
are  three  that  bear  record  in  Heaven,  the  Fatlicr,  the  Word,  '.\rn\  the 
Holy  Ghost:  and  these  three  are  one,''  -1  John  v,  7-  The  auiiientici- 
ty  of  this  text,  has  indeed  been  disputed;  and  this  alone,  is  a  sufficient 
reason  with  some  lor  its  rejection.  We,  however,  cannot  a^rec  to  thif^ 
■summary  method  of  excluding  the  inspired  wltncssefifroir?  giving  tcst(- 
iftony?  for  U^en^  all  the  enemies  of  the  truth  would  hayc  tc*  doj  wou!,df 


.-'^  OF    IHt    TRli\1:'fV. 

be  to  dispiitje  the  genuineness  of  every  text,  whicli  could  not  be  accoil?* 
modated  to  their  wishes.  This  done,  it  must  now  be  rejected,  because 
learned  men  like  ihemsclvcs  have  disputed  it;  and  no  doubt  but  their 
heresy  would  triumph.  In  this  very  wa)'',  Socinians,  and  the  various 
tribes  of  their  ^'brethren  in  iniquity,"  have  always  proceeded.  First, 
put  the  Scriptures  to  the  torture  to  make  them  speak  their  own  language 
— do  what  they  can  in  this  way  by  the  aid  of  emendations,  corrections 
and  figures  of  speech:  next  get  rid  of  all  those  texts  which  are  found  ih- 
eapable  oi  ^  plausible  perversion,  by  calling  them  interpolations;  and 
to  make  all  appear  more  probable,  tell  of  old  mantiscripts,  which  thei^ 
never  »au',  but  which  so77ie  person  iCtzv,  or  said  he  had  seen^  in  which  he 
said  these  texts  were  wanting.  We  have  read  a  little,  of  what  is  to  bt 
said  both  for,  and  against,  the  text  in  question,  and  believe  that  there 
is  no  reason  for  considering  it  spurious:  especially,  ^'as  it  is  not  the  hrst 
assertion  of  the  doctrine  which  it  contains,  nor  the  only,  nor  the  prin- 
cipal foundation  on  which  it  stands,  but  only  a  summary  of  what  has 
l^een  fully  expressed  before  throughout  the  Bible." 

To  the  doctrine  of  a  Tr^inity  in  Unify,  the  adversaries  have  absolutely 
nothing  in  the  whole  compass  of  Divine  Revelation  to  oppose.  True, 
indeed,  there  are  many  Scriptures  which  teach  that  God  is  one.  but  we 
derive  aid  from  th^m,  in  establisJiing  our  view  of  the  suhject:  for  we 
contjjnd  for  a  Trinity  in  Unity — three  persons,  ^ut  one  God.  They 
must  not  suppose  that  they  have  confuted  us,  or  even  brought  one 
word  iia  opposition  to  us  when  they  have  only  proved  ane  ha/f  of  our  doc- 
trine. Were  it  said  thut  man  is  morial,  wo\i\d  any  persor>  consider  this 
as  confuted  by  establishing  the  immortality  of  his  soul;  or  were  it  said 
that  he  i&  immortal,  alluding  to  his  soul,  would  this  proposition  be  over* 
turned  by  bringing  forward  all  the  arguments  in  the  world  to  prove 
tliat  iiis  body  will  die?  The  answer  at  once  is,  no.  Well, God  we  are 
tauglU,  posfecss-es  a  tri personal  nature,  but  at  the  same  time  a  unity  of 
essence.  Those  texts  which  prove  his  essential  unity,  cannot  prov^ 
against  his  personal  plurality,  find  vice  versa* 

i3ut  that  the  opponents  betray  a  want  of  candor,  when  they  marshal 
those  tcx(?  which  assert  the  Divine  Unity,  against  the  doctrine  of  the 
Trinity,  appears  from  another  consideration.  In  the  age  when  th<i 
Ijible  was  written,  every  fialion  had  its  own  peculiar  deities.  One  set 
of  gods  were  supposed  to  preside  over  the  land  of  Egypt^  and  receiv- 
ed the  worship  of  its  inhabitants,  the  Assyrians  had  another  catalogue 
efeo.!?,  &c.  Thechihlren  of  Israel  alone  had  the  knowledge  of  "the 
only,  the  living,  and  the  true  God ."  Hence  "the  God  of  Israel"  is  but 
another  de^iisfnation  for  hinn  who  alone  is  Jehovah.  The  Jews  were 
not  only  in  dancjer,but  in  fact  often  were,  seduced  by  the  example  o 
their  neigfibots  to  worship  false  gods.  Therefore,  for  the  right  undei 
►tandin;^  ol  tliu.-e  Scriptures  which  teach  that  God  is  one, —  that  the 
God  wtic  made  the  Heavens  is  God  alone,  it  is  necessary  to  advert  to 
^\-.  prevailing  theoloey  among  the  heathen,  and  to  the  peculiar  circuEri 


OF  TiiE  TRikitr.  73 

stances  oi  (too  s  people.  Their  special  design,  manifestly  w.fs,  to  puf 
the  children  of  Israel  on  their  guard  aerainst  the  Polytheism  of  their 
heathen  neighbor*.  Hence  wc  find  8u«;li  warnings  more  comrron  in 
the  Old  Testament,  than  in  the  New  whrn  God  had  gained  the  point 
of  his  unity  on  them:  they  having  been  effectiially  weaned  from  idola- 
try, by  his^nr-iny  <ind  sore  judgments,"  through  a  scries  of  ages.  Such 
Scriptures,  then,  though  they  do  prove  against  the  Polytheistn  of  the 
heathen,  yet  they  cannot,  without  the  utmost  perversion,  ^e  brought  to 
jirove  againf-t  the  Trinity  of  the  Christians.  In  other  wofd>j,  they 
f)rovc  that  there  are  no  local  deities — no  plurality  of  godt«  distinct  from 
each  other  in  being  and  essence,  as  the  heathen  imagined:  hut  while 
rfone  of  them  prove  that  'there  is  but  one  person  in  the  Godhead  or 
Divine  essence,  S07nc  of  them  plainly  intimate  that  there  is  a  founda- 
tion in  his  nature,  for  our  attaching  some  how  or  other,  the  idea  of  plu- 
rality to  him. 

This  is  empha'iically  true  of  tliat  famous  text  so  often  in  the  mouths 
of  Anti  Trinitarians:  Hear  O  Israel^  the  Lord  our  God^  is  one  Lord. 
If  God  had  never  revealed   himself  under  the  idea  of  plurality;  or,  if 
there  is  but  one  person  in  tile  Godhead  ;  and  if  this  is  the  uniform  voice 
of  renson  and  revelation  as  Anti-Trinitarians  pretend;— th'en,  it  must  at 
first  sight  appear  strance   to  every  reflecting  person,  that  such  a  pro- 
position should  everi>e  thought  worthy  of  a  place  in  a  revelation  from 
God.     Indeed,  it  would  have  no  nrKjaning.     It  wo«ld  be  a  mere  silly 
truism,  such  as  to  say  that  John  our  President  is  one  John,  or  that  this 
globe  our  earth  is  orne  globe.     Who  would  reed  ^cch  a  proposition  \.o 
enlighten  him,  or  could  be  enlightened  by  it?   But  on  the  supposition 
that  Jehovah  exists  in  a  plurality  of  persons,  distinct,  yet  inseparable 
from  each  other;  and  that  some  intimations  of  this  had  been  previously 
g\veTi;  then  such  a  declaration  might  be  necessary,  and  have  an  impor- 
tant meaning,  which  would  be  readily  apprehended.     And   whar  we 
have  supposed  is  the  fact.      Where  it  is  said,  '*In  the  beginning  God 
created  the  heaven  and  the  earth,"  and  in  many  similar  paVsages,  the 
word  rendered  God'\s  found  in  the  plural  form.      We  find  also  siieh  a 
language  as  the  following:    "And  God  said,  let  us  make  man  in  our 
rmage,  after  ot/r  likeness."     How  was  this  to  be  understood?    isthere 
.1  society  of  Gods?  Without  something  to  put  the  readers  of  the  Bible 
on  their  guard,  they  might  draw  such  a  conclusion.     This  is  furnished 
in  the  text  under  review — Hear  O  Israel,  the  Lord  our  God  is  one 
Lord,     The  word,  in  the  original,  ren^dered  Lord  is  Jehovah,  and  sig- 
hides  the  self  existent,  independent,  f^nd   unchangeable  One.     The 
word  which  stands  for  God  is  a  plural  term,  and  more  closely  rendered 
Aould  be,  our  Divine  or  Worshipful  Ones.     The  word  "Jehovah," 
therefore,  expr,?sses  It  is  eFs.enlial  unity,  the  wiird  ''God,"  his  personal 
piuralHy        And  the  declaration  is  full  of  meaning.      It  was  a  note 
highly  necessary  at  the  time,  and  worthy  of  being  ushered  in  witli  ^ 
jolcnnn  Hear  O  hrrfel — to  teach  Isrripl  fh-jt  tb^^e  distinct  personal  su^ 

IC 


Of    THE    ETERNAL    SGXSIilP    OF    Ci 


sistencei  are  not  to  be  conceived  of  as  so  many  Gods,hui  that  tlicv  Jire 
hvit  one  and  the  same  Jehovah.  The  text,  stripped  of  its  English  dre«s 
with  which* our  translators  clothed  it,  would  run  thus:  Hear  O  hropL 
Jehovah,  our  THvint  or  Worshipful  Ones,  is  one  Jehovah— TiX^d.  how 
does  this  prove  that  there  is  but  one  person  in  the  Godhead! 


ON  THE  ETEKNAL  SONSHIP  OF  CHRIST. 

THESE  three  persons  are  Divinely  and  InefTably  related  to  each 
other;  and  thils. constitute  a  distinguishable  Tiinity  in  the  one  Jeho- 
vah; or,  a  Trinity,  distinguishable  by  their  appropriate  tides,  works, 
Drder  of  su-b?istence  and  operation,  and  personal  relations  to  each  olher^ 
and  to  mankitid  sinners.  But  as  G^d  only  can  reveal  his  own  naturet 
so  /or  us  to  hope  ta  acquire  by  our  invest i^^ation  or  research,  any 
iarther  knowledge  of  these  mysterious  relations,  than  he  has  been 
pleased  (o  communicate  in  his  word,  is  as  piTsuriTptuotis,  as  it  is  vain. 
We  shall,  therefore,  content  ourselves  with  saying  in  a  languarre,  for 
which  w<;  conceive  we  have  Scriptural  authority,  that  "The  Father  i 
of  none  jieither  begotten  nor  proceeding;  the  Son  is  eternaHy  begotten 
of  the  Father;  and  the  Holy  Ghost  eternally  proceeding  from  the  Fa- 
ther and  the  Son."  The  mode  of  the  Son's  generation,  or  tliC  proces- 
sion of  the  Holy  Ghost,  we  do  not  attempt  to  explain.  We  content 
nirselves,  with  declaring  t'ie/ar^ 

]3ut  that  the  Son  is  eternally  begotten  of  the  Father,  is,  as  we  have 
een,  in  the  pfeceding  narrative,  denied  by  manv,  who  .Wish  to  palm 
.hemselves  on  the  Church  as  the  distinguished  fwe«ds  of  orthodoxy; 
and  am-cng  tliese  to  the  disgrace  of  the  Ministerial  office,  and  the  Chri«- 
fian  name,  tht^re  are  some  w^ho  have  canonically  sworn  to  support  a 
standard  of-Cbristian  doctrine,  in  which  this  truth  is  explicitly  held 
-orth..  Washall^Jlierefore,  adduce  some  considerations  to  satisfy  you 
i.at  the  S(jn  is  eiWnally  begotten  of  the  FaUierror,  that  the  Sonship 
-,-r  Christ  is  Eternal  and  Divine. 

As  tbenpponents  of  this  truth, allege  that  Christ  has  the  name  Son  of 
God,  merely  on  account-of  his  supernatural  b.-rth,  Ids  being  appointed  the 
Messiah,  and  his  exaltation  to  tl^e  dignity  of  that  office' when  he  was 
'faiscii  from  the^dead;  our  point  will  be  gained,  if  we  can  shew  that  he 
was  and  Is  the  Son  of  God,  and  that  the  name  of  -So??,  properly  belongs 
to  him  prior  to  the  consideration  of  any  of  these  things.  To  evince 
this — 

I .  Our  first  argument  is  drawn  iVom  sucli  passages  of  scripture,  as 
speak  of  God's  sending  or  giving  his  Son.  If  God  sent,  his  Son.  then 
he  had  previously  a  Son  to  send.  Were  any  of  you  to  speak  of  hav- 
ing sent  your  son  to  a  certain  place,  on  some  business;  all  tlie  world 
-•vvould  draw  the  conclusion  that  previously  to  his  being  sent  he  icasyour. 


^(Vi'SlIi 


or  TllE   ETERNAL   SOtfi'SUl  ■■•■■^T. 


...  1  .-  ,  .  jukl  never  suppose  from  your  langunp;e  flirt  he  hcca...^ 
your  son  in  consequence  of  his  heing  .«rnt.  I^it  this  unnatural  con- 
fitruction,  the  opponents  of  the  Eternal  Sonship  of  Christ,  have  to  put 
on  the  language  of  scripture.  There  is  one  passage  which  deserves 
particulai-  consideration  here.  *'When  the  fullness  of  time  was  come, 
(Jod  sent  forth-  his  Son  niade.of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law,"  &.c. 
Gal.  iv.  4.  Now  his  being>?ia6/<^  of  a  uoin'iHy  and  mmlc  under  the  law^ 
are  two  leading  ideas  which  cuter  into  God's  sending  his  Son.  But  he 
was  a  So7i  before  these  events  took  place,  according  to  the  plain,  natu- 
nT  m'-nnins;  of  the  word^.  IlisSonshfp  therefore  cannot  arise  from  his 
.  or  his  investiture  with  the  MedTatorial  office.  These 
:  !':!    i;  v'l  the  reason  of  hi.s  being  called  the  SijnofGod: 

r  Christ  is  represented  in  scripture,  as  being  prior 
to  hi-  a.-.-     •  ;he  Mediatorial  oflicc;  and  as  making  that  office,  and 

the  dfschai  luties,  an  exercise  of  gracious  condescension,  Phil, 

ii.  6,  8.  ii'ii  uir  ■\mc  is  true  of  l^s  Sonship. — He  '^7naketh  the  Son  a 
High  Priest — Though  he  zuere  aAVba  yet  icnrned  he  obedience  hy  the 
■tliaai^a  v:hkh  he  mfftnd,  Heb.  vii.  28,  v.  §.  Chriit  was.  tlicrefore  not 
only  a  Divine  person,  but  he  was  the  Son  <f^nd — jis  really  the  Son  uf 
God  as  he  was  God  before  he  v,ras  constituted  Mediator-, — which  was 
from  eternity. 

3.  It  is  the  real  Divinity  of  Christ  which  gives  dignify  to  his  official 
charact  r,  Rom.  ix.  5;  but  this  ry>irniYy  fs  also  represented  as  flowing  from 
his  Sonship.  —  PFe  hove  a  great  High  Priest  Jesus  the  Son  of  God,  licb. 
iv,  14.  There  is,  therefore  the  same  reason  from  scripture  for  suppos- 
ing his  Sonship  to  be  prior  to  his  being  clothed  with  office,  as  for  sup- 
posing the  priority  of  his  divinity.  >, 

4.  The  exalted  merit  of  Christ's  blood  results  from  his  proper  Divin«* 
ity,  Acts  XX.  -J8;  butthis  merit  is  also  ascribed  to  his  being  the  Son  of 
God.    ^  The  blood  of  Jems  Christ  his  Son  rlean<e!h  vs  pmn  aU  sijis,  i. 
John,  i.  7.      His  being  the  Son  of  God,  therefore  amounts  to  the  same 
Ihing  aarhis  being  God:  consequently  if  Christ  is  the  Eternal  God,  he  is 
also  the  Eternal  Son  of  God. 

5.  To  give  us  just  and  adequate  ideas  of  the  greatfi^ss  of  God's  lovo 
we  are  told,  that,  he  spnrednot  hi^  eivn  Sou  —  hcg-ive  his  only  begotten 
Son,  &:c.  Now  what  is  there  in  this  language  so  well  calculated  to  touch  '' 
the  Christian  sensibly,  and  fdlhis  soul  with  gratitude  and  thankfulness 
to  God?  Is  it  not  that  the  Father  in  commisseration  of  our  deplorable 
condition  consented  to  part  with  the  Son  of  his  bo-mn ; — that  parental  ten- 
derness was  so  far  overcome  by  the  consideration  of  that  misery  to  which 
we  were  exposed,  that  he  did  not  withhold  his  orcn,  his  onfy  Son,  but 
delivered  him  up  for  us  all?  Such  as  these,  are  certainly  the  impres- 
sions, which  the  language  of  scripture  on  this  subject  is  fitted  for  mak- 
ing; and,  unless  we  have  always  been  mistaken,  on  a  point,  where,  we 
hadhardly  supposed  that  any  person  who  reads  the  scriptures,  with  the 
feelings  of  a  Christian:  could  mistake,  such  are  the  impressions  which  it 


^6  OP   THE    MLDlATOaiAL    PERSON    OP    CHRIST, 

does  make,  on  every  Christian  heart.  But  how  would  the  force  of  this 
language  be  weakened,  if  Jesus  Christ  is  not  the  Son  of  God  by  an  Kter- 
nal,  natural,  and  necessary  relation!  Or  what  would  be  its  propriety,  if 
he  is  only  the  Son  of  God  in  some  secondary  or  figurative  sense?  Truly, 
on  thjs  supposition,  we  fuust  say  that  the  language  of  scripture  seems 
careifuJSy  adapted  to  excite  emotions  in  the  Christian  breast  which  the 
nature  of  the  subject  does  not  require ;  and  that  the  Holy  Spirit  in  repre- 
senting to  us  the  exceeding  love  of  God  towards  sinners,  has  drawn  the 
picture  in  colors  too  vivid  and  glowing!  We  freely  acknowledge,  that 
there  is  something  in  these  scriptural  representations  awfully  myste- 
rious, and  Vi!\\h  which  impious  scoffers  may  make  themselves  merry. 
JBul  against  whom  do  they  magnify  themselves  and  Qnake  a  wide  mouth  ? 
Against  him  who  can  vindicate  his  own  woril,  and  whose  existence  in 
pSedgexl  to  do  it  And  those  who  «aU  themselves  Christians,  should 
rather  be  employed  in  admiring,  adoring,  and  melting  in  gratitude,  in 
tenderness,  and  in  love;  than  in  impgiiring  tlieir  force,  and  frittering 
them  ikw&y  by  cold  fretting  criticisms. 

We  have  not  forgotten  the  t-ext  in  Luke  i.  35,  where  it  is  contended 
that  the  jfiiirac«5oiis  conception  is  assigned  as  the  reason  of  his  Sonship. 
*^But  if  this  be  the  proper  foundation  of  his  Sonship  how  could  his  cal- 
ling him»eif  the  Son  of  God.  or  his  sa/ijhi^  iftat  Gad  zoes  his  leather,  infer 
a  claim  of  ©quality  with  ilm  Father,  which,  on  a  reference  to  the  v.  chap- 
ter oi  John*s  Gospel^  we  ^d  it  did.  A  Sonship  of  this  description 
couM  »firer  be  lairly  constrtied  to  make  him  equal  with  God.  TJie 
text,  h&wevGr^  does  not  say  tliat  Christ  is  the  Son  of  God  in  conse- 
qacoceof  his  extraordidiary  ^oneeption;  but  that  for  this  reason  he  shall 
fee  S0  adhsfL  J^-qw^  it  msty  be  a  reason  why  he  was  called  the  Son  of  God 
ill  his  persua  ss  Go^-maia,  without  any  prejudice  to  the  doctrine  that 
he  «^as Lhfe  Son  ©f  Csod  in  his  original  and  Divine  nature,  as  a  perison  in. 
the  Oodfeaad."  It  might  be  readily  inferred,  that  he  for  whom  a  body 
was  prepare*!  fey  ssaperjiaiural  Divirbe  influence,  was  more  than  man ;  ariid 
justly  eatitM  t&  the  appeilatioa  of  the  Son  ofGod^ 


OH  THE  MEl5iAT0HIAL  PERSON  OF  CHRIST. 

-^^HE  Son  of  ljr©d,  the  isecoiid  person  in  the  Trinity,  being  very 
and  e1i£Tni^  Oocl^  of  ©ne  substance  aiid  equal  with  the  Father,  did^ 
when  theftiJaess  of  tim&wa's  come,  take  upon  himself  man's  nature— 
so  rhat  two  whole,  perfect,  aad  distinct  natures,  the  Godhead  and  the 
Mianhood  were  liiseparaMy  joined  together  in  one  person,  without  con- 
verstof?,  comppiSition,  or  confusion.  Which  person  is  very  God,  and 
very  ntaa,  yet  one  Christ,  the  only  Mediator  between  God  and  men." 
Jntht  be^infufig  wm  ike  Word^  and  the  Word  was  with  God  and  the  Word 
mas  God — -^^nrd  £h£  word  was  m ade  flesh.  God  was  manifest  in  ike  flje^h 
lofeaKl,4-     Tim^iii.  IC 


<»»   THE    MEPIATOIIIAL    PERSON    67    CIIRiaf.  77 

Thi3  union  of  two  distinct  natures  in  the  person  of  the  Son,  w!»ich 
constitutes  the  Mediatorial  person  of  Christ,  lays  the  foundation  for, 
and  reconciles  ail  those  apparently^  contradictory  attributions  which  are 
«nade  to  him  in  the  scriptures.     For,  there  bcmg  in  his  person  a  F)ivmi 
jjature,  this  justifies  ail  those  scriptures,  which  ascribe  to  him  Divim 
;nameB,  titles,  attributes,  works  and  wors!»ip.       So  also,  there  bein;,'  ir 
4ils  person  a  human  body  and  soul,  the  nalixre  ofman^  which,  as  it  can 
not  lay  claim  to  w  tuit  is  said  of  him  as  God,  it  must  receive  to  its  o\vr 
account  whatever  Sfcm^  to  lessen  him  when  compared  with  the  Fa- 
ther."     Whel^   therefore,  the  enemie:*  of  our  Saviour's  Deity,  have 
paraded  a  muUitude  of  passajres,  (»)ntaining  statements  which  cannoi 
^agree  to  him  as  God,  whit  have  they  done?    Why  they  have  proveC 
what  none  deny,  that  Jesus  Christ  is  partaker  ofjleshand  blood.      Re 
fer  them  to  his  humanity  and  all  is  consistent.     There  still  remains  ev 
i  Icnce  enough  to  support  his  Divinity.     So,  when  Christ  is  spoken  o 
as  distinct  from  God,  there  is  no  difiiculty;  when  the  language  is  refep- 
red,  as  it  ought  to  be  referred,  to  his  person  as  the  Mediator  God-man 
As  Mediator,  he  is  not  only  a  distinct  (though  inseparable)  person  fron 
the  Father^  but  he  may  be  spoken  and  conceived  of  as  distinct  ivon 
<7oc^ abstractly  considered  in  his  own  essence.     In  such  texts,  as;  Thi. 
IS  life  e.lernal  ihatihey  might  kno7c  thee,  the  only  true  God,  and  Je.su 
Christ  whom  thou  hast  vew/,"  we  can  easily  see  a  distinction,  and  w< 
can  as  freely  admit  the  distinction  intended  to  be  made,  between  Jcsu 
Christ  as  the   God  man.  Mediator,  and  the  abstract  essence  of  Goc 
subsisting  in  the  person  of  the   Father,  without  any  prejudice  to  hi 
claims  to  Divinity.     So  also  when  a  language  is  used  which  implies 
that  as  Mediator,  he  was  in  some  sense  inferior  to  the  Father,  it  give 
-us  no  difficulty  in  believing  his  proper  Divinity  and  essential  equality 
And  it  is  enwigh  for  us  to  know,  that  in  his  original  nat-ure  he  is  Go( 
equal  with  the  Father.     This  we  are  clearly  taught  in  the  scriptures 
And  if  he  humbled  him«jelf  to  he  found  in  fashion  as  a  man,  and  too 
upon  himself  the  form  of  a  servant;  if  tie  consented  to  be  made  a  litti 
lower  than  the  Anc^elsfor  the  suffering  of  death  that  he  by  the  grace  of  Go 
anighl  taste  death  for  every  7nan,T\nA  save  us  weak  miserable  creature 
from  sin  and  wrath: — Instead  of  producing  this  marvellous  condescei 
sion,  as  an  argument  against  his  claims  to  Divinity,  or  as  a  reason  fc 
withholding  from  him  equal  honors  with  those  which  are  due  to  th 
Father,  we  shall  and  we  7i)Ul  make  it  a  matter  of  praise,  of  gratitude 
and  oi  thankfulnefs,  to  a  Three-one  God.     Should  we  be  so  foolish  an 
unwise,  as  to  requite  the  Lord  our  God  otherwise"*    In  his  unsearch/ 
bic  wisdom,  it  was  found  necessary,  that  his  own  Son  should  leave  h 
own  heavens,  and  come  down  to  dwell  with  men  on  earth,  clothed  i 
hum  in  flesh;  and  lead  a  life  of  sorrow  and  of  lowliness,  and  undergo 
death  of  pain  and  of  ignominy;  that  we  might  have  redemption  throng 
his  blood  even  the  forgiveness  of  sins ;  and  shall  we  take  hold  of  some  ci: 
cAim^tances  connected  with  hi?  humilintion.  an<l  torture  the  little  po 


'^  ow  TiiB  mediatobJal  pEiasoN  or  CHR'ftr. 

tjon  ofingcnuity  which  we  enjoy  by  his  gift,  to  manafactwr^  argumesifs 
out  of  them,  for  diminishing  the  glory  and  dignity  of  the  Heavenlv 
Yisitantl  Shall  Christians,  who  hope  to  be  cleansed  from  sin  and  poili 
tion  hy  his  purifj^ing  blood,  thus  receive  and  treat  the  Lord  from  hea- 
ven! Nay  let  the  Jews, let  Herod  and  Ponfitis  Pilate,  let  Socnuansand 
Anans  act  so  helhsh  a  part;  and  l^i  a  great  multitude  of  Ilopkinsian'* 
Kcompany  them  'Vitlj  swords  and  staves:'"-  but  let  those  who  have 
■^ied.  that  the  Lord  is  gracious  beware! 

The  scriptures,  we  have  said,  furnish  abondant  evidence  that  Jesus 
hristis  true  and  eternal  God.  In  the  beginning  was  the  word  and  (he 
word  was  with  God,  aad  the  word  ar«jGod.  The  same  was  in  Ihe 
beginning  with  God.  AH  things  were  n^ade  by  hjm,  sncfwithout 
him  was  not  any  thing  made  thc.t  was  m.-jde,  John  i.  1-3.  Now^as 
reaUy  as  every  house  is  buiided  by  some  man,  he  that  built  all  thirds 
i^  God . 

But  unto  the  Son  he  saith.  Thy  throne  O  God  is  forever  and  ever;  a 
sceptre  of  righteousness  is  the  sceptre  of  ihy  kingdom,  Heb.  i.  0.  How- 
would  this  language  sound,  if  applied  to  any  one  inferior  to  God  m 
Balure  and  perfections? 

And  Tboii,  l^ord,  in  the  beginning  h->st  laid  the  fo^indatioo  of  th© 
earth;  the  heavens  also  are  the  work  of  thv  hand%  Heb.  i.  10.  Crea- 
tion Is  a  work  which  God  claims  to  himself  j  and  if  there  is  any  truth, 
which  may  he  held  as  self  evident.  Divine  power  oisly  is  adequ:tte  t» 
the  work.     Christ  therefore  is  God, 

Omniscience,  which  is  an  incommunicable  attribute  of  God  belongs 
to  Christ—he  knew  all  men,  and  needed  not  that  anj  should  testify  %^ 
man:  for  he  knew  what  was  in  nf>an,  John  ii.  24,  25— he  searcheth  the 
hearts  and  trieth  the  reins,  Rev.  li.  25. 

Jllmighhj  Poicer  is  ascribed  to  Christ.  He  shall  change  our  vile  bo- 
dy  that  it  may  be  fashioned  like  unto  his  own  glorious  body:  according 
to  the  effectual  working  whereby  he  is  able  to  subdue  all  things  to  him- 
self, PhiL  iti.  23.  "  ^ 

Eterniti/  is  ascribed  to  Christ.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  be- 
ginnir^g  and  the  end.the first  and  the  last,  Rev.  xxii.  18. 

'Divine  Worship  is  due  to  Christ.  All  men  should  honor  the  Son  even 
as  they  honor  the  Father,  John  v,  23.  Let  all  the  Angels  of  God 
worship  him,  Heb.  i.  6.  Stephen  tilled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  called 
on  Jesus,  and  commended  to  him  his  departing  spirit.  And  to  whom 
should  a  dying  man  commit  his  soul  but  to  God  ? 

l^ut  let  as  for  a  moment  attend  to  what  he  has  to  do,  and  promises 
be  will  surely  do  for  his  people;  his  sheep;  and  those  who  confide  in 
him  for  salvation.  I  give  unto  them,  says  he  eternal  life.  And  he 
assures  us  ihd^X  poiuer  was  given  him  over  all  fiesh  that  he  might  give 
eternal  IJfe  10  as  many  as  loere  given  him  of  his  Father.  John  xvii.  2. 
Does  this  look  like  the  language  of  a  creatiire?  Would  any  creature  be 
capable  of  receiving  j\nd  excrcisiiig  such  a  power?     It  is  impossible: 


OF   THE    HGBIXTOMAL   RIGHTrOCS: 


unless  wc  suppose  such  a  miracle  tohc  wrou^,.,,.  a.-  vv,i„„i  i:,rc  lu-i  cii 
tirely  out  of  the  rank  of  creatures,  and  endue  liim  with  infinite  intelli- 
gence and  power:  i.  e.  a  miracle  which  woiiM  clothe  him  with  the  in- 
commumcaUle  attributes  of  God!-Jcsns  sh;.ll  save  his  people  from  ihei, 

Tl  ,  n  r  V'f  "^  """^^l  '"  ^r"  '  P^^P''^'  ^"  »^^^  ^.om  their  sins: 
or  ^  ould  he  be  adequate  to  the  task?  Consider  what  he  must  do  to  he 
.uch  a  Saveor  He  must  bear  hi,  peoples  nns,  he  must  offer  himseh 
^th.„,l  .spo  to^od  to  pnrge  their  eomacncc.,  to  pvrehn.c  e,e>ml  rrdeml 
Uonfor  them,  and  to  make  peace  between  the  offended  maicstv  o^ 
Heaven  and  their  souJs,  and  he  must  shed  upon  them  the  washinR  oi 
regeneration,  and  renewmg  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  He  must  act  l,y  them 
he  part  ol  a  good  shepherd ;   He  must  be  witl,  them  ^vherever  they  ar^ 

mf,  ,  L         i  *■  <^'^'=*5,«s;  ♦»  sa^-e  «'"«<"  from  their  enemies.      He 

I  is  ea  s  :mt'ir"*t  ""''''  ^*''t*°  "'PP'>'  ^''^'"  '"  »  '*^»'°"-'''<=  hour 
1 1.,  cars  r.m,l  always  he  open  to  their  cries;  and  he  mast  be  able  te 
send  down  from  above,  and  deliver  them   out  of  all   their  distre-e^ 

iT  '     *^rri  h't-?^'^  '"  •^*'"'  '"-Africa,  in  .\meriea,  or  in  the  Is- 

he  An,.  7  r-     ^V'""*'^'?'"'"  '"  -°^k-n<=h  manifold  salvation  i^ 

t\^^  ,t  h  -^  """■'''  V^  h.spromise  to  hisdiscijiles,  and  throu.rh 
fhem  to  their  successors,  when  he  gave  them  the.r  eitensive  comm?s- 
sionto  preach  die  sospel  and  admisister  ks  ordinonc«s.  Coul^ry 
but  the  omnipresent  and  eternal  God,  who  filN  hcarcrt  and  e.r  h  LI 
comphsU  this  promise?  f.t  the  tribes  of  ArianTrd  Socin  ni^'a^d 
^1  "^^^  I '"",'!''' '■^''P""^^''  with  whom  this  generation  abound/ 
consider  these  t^.mgs,  ,„d  beware,  before  it  be  tSo  late^  Their  sl' 
viour  .s  not  the  Saviour  of  the  Bible.     That  they  c^  rest  sati.sfied  with 

*'ThirnTr^'.''r'"^^  RIGHTEOUSNESS  OF  CHRIST 

wi.I'':?is^D^vl%3^-;:f,rrctrrrf  G  r-  'i:^'-^'^" 
-•e.a  f;.d..  e.  th«  p,rt,  oir:nd:l  rd^^jr,7;,/t!:,^'s,£^^-  ■ 


so  OP  The  mediatorial  niGiiTEOUrNEss  OF  cnsilT, 

He  makes  peace,  or  effects  a  reconciliation  between  God  and  man  h^ 
his  obedience  and  sacrifice  on  earth,  and  his  intercession  in  Heaven. 

In  his  obedience  to  the  law  of  God,  and  his  atonement,  or  infinite  sat- 
isfaction for  sin^  consists  his  Mediatorial  n^hteoosness;  even  the  samc- 
**righ(eoiisness  of  God  \\'hich  is  revealed  In  the  Gospel  to  faith,"  and 
through  which  believers  obtain  justification  of  life,  hi  performing 
this  righteousness  Christ  sustained  the  characterbf  a  surety  or  substi- 
tute.     This  position  admits  of  decisive  proof, 

it  is  plain  that  he  could  owe  no  obedience  to  the  law  for  himself.-— 
Being  God,  he  v^as  and  is  theg^reat  LavvgiTer,  and  consequently  could 
not  be  a.  natural  subject  of  his  own  law.  The  circumstance  of  his  pos- 
sessing human  nature  could  never  place  him  under  its  obligation.  'The 
word  natuTe  conveys  an  abstract  onrt-ersal  idea;  so  the  angelic  nature 
includes  all  angel??,  the  human  nature,  all  men.'^  A  nature,  as  such, 
has  no  existence  except  m  the  persons  of  those  to  whom  it  belongs.-- 
Consequently,  a  nature  as  such  can  violate  or  faltil  no  law;  nor  be  ik& 
subject  of  law;  except  as  in  a  person.  But  "the  human  nature  of 
Clirist  never  had  a  distinct  persotial  subsistence  of  its  own."  It  never 
existed  one  moment  bat  in  a  state  of  union  with  the  Son  of  God;  con- 
?eqiTcntIy,  it  never  was  a  person— never  was  a  subject  of  favi^;  That 
the  Son  of  God  in  our  nature  was  made  under  the  (arv^  must  therefore, 
have  been  by  a  gracious  and  voluntary  condescension  to  acconDplish: 
5ome  great  and  important  result?.  Hence  the  obedience  of  Christ 
could  not  have  been  for  himself  NeUher  could  his  sulTerings,  If  be* 
never  was  made  under  the  precept  of  the  law  for  hitn?elf,  it  is  impossi- 
ble that  he  could  be  under  tlie  penalty,  which  resdts  from  the  violation 

of  the  precept.     But  waving  this  consideration A  prophet  as- 

sares  OS,  that  "iic  had  done  no  sin  neither  was  guile  found  in  his  mouth,'^ 
and  an  Apostle  that  he  was  "hoTj,  harmless,  nndefihed,  and  separate 
from  sinners."  But  he  did  obey  and  suffer.  How  can  this  be  account- 
«:d  for,  on  any  ofcher  principle,  than  that  he  sustained  the  character  of 
our  surety  or  substitute,  having  assumed  all  our  legal  relations  and  res- 
■^o!isibilities? 

Butthe  scriptures  every  where,  us£  a  language  which  admits  of  tio 
consistent  exposition  on  any  other  principle.  "When  the  fulness  of 
time  was  come  God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman  maide  under 
liielnsv  that  he  might  redeem  them  that  were  under  the  law,"  Gal.  iv. 
4  — V^(^  would  ask  ,  why  was  rt  necessary  for  our  redemption  that  Christ 
>»hon]ci  be  made  Ktiderthe  lazo,  unless  it  were  that  he  might  ful61  its  de- 
mands? If  only  some  general  exhibition  of  the  real  dispositron  of  God 
towards  sin  was  to  be  ma'de,  could  iiot  this  have  been  done,  without  his 
beinr  nrvauO  under  the  law?  If  an  innocent  being  not  charged  in  law 
with  our  fins  was  made  to  suffer,  that  God  might  manifest  his  displea- 
sure ae;.-iin>t  sin  in  order  to  its  coitsistent  forgiveness;  we  can  see  nO 
reason  for  l.is  heingmade  under  our  /<7w;,ncrany  meaning  in  thelanguage 
|i>ui  Cbiist  was  wac^e  under  the  law  that  he  might  be  a  Redee.mtr  j  and  a* 


_.     iTiK    MEDlXrORIAL    RIGHTEOUSNESS    OP   CHRIST.  ol 

,  M.  ..-aid  Q^ily  h<j  necessary,  on  the  supposition,  that  the  demnnds  of 
the  law  which  sinmrs  were  under,  must  be  Adfilled  hy  him  in  order  to 
their  redemption— then,  it  clearly  follows,  that  he  he(  ame  their  suirl}', 
and  entered  into  a  voluntary  enga^^^ment,  to  perform  that  ohediem  c, 
and  endure  that  sullering  to  which  they  were  bound  in  law.  VV  itU 
this  view,  a  multitude  of  other  scripture?  fall  in;  such  as,  -Ife  hath 
made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who  knew  no  sin,  that  we  might  be  nj.'.de  the 
righteousness  of  God  in  him.  He  suffered  for  siins  the  jubt  for  the  un- 
lust,  that  he  might  bring  us  to  God." 

*  The  notice  taken  of  the  substitution  of  Christ  and  its  consequences, 
in  thcliii.  chap,  of  Isaiati,  is  very  remarkable.  In  the  4th  verse  it  is 
said,  Sure/i/  he  hafk  borne  our  griefs  and  carried  our  sorroirs— That  is.  the 
triefs  and  sorrows  which  he  endured  were  due  to  us — they  were  the 
consequence  of  our  sins.  We  had  procured  them  to  ourselves,  so  that 
they  were  our-\  But  we  unbelieveing  Jews,  did  not  view  the  matter  in 
this  light.  On  the  contrary  tt^e  did  esteem  him  smitten^  stricken  of 
God,  and  afflicted.  When  we  saw  that  no  sorrow  was  like  his  sorrow, 
the  conclusion  which  we  drew  was,  that  he  was  a  sinner  beyond  all  oth- 
er men;  and  that  the  vengeance  of  heaven  pursued  him  for  his  atro- 
cious blasph«mies.  This  was  our  opinion;  but  we  were  gn  atly  mis- 
lukcn.  Not, indeed, in  our  inference  that  his  griefs  and  sorrows  were 
the  consequence  of  sin.  We  were  correct  in  our  principle,  that  sin  is 
the  only  cause,  why  any  being  is  subjected  to  pain  and  misery  under  the 
righteous  governmnnt  of  God;  but  we  erred  in  the  application  of  this 
principle  to  his  case — erred  in  supposing  that  he  was  afflicted  because 
he  was  personally  a  sinner.  J\ay  he  was  wouneled  for  our  transgres- 
aioiis,  he  was  bruised  for  our  iniquities:  the  chastisement  of  our  peace 
loas  upon  him^  and  by  his  stripes  we  arc  healed.  Here,  indeed,  was  jus- 
tice and  holiness  displayed  in  the  punishment  of  sin;  but  it  was  not  an 
ordinary  case  under  the  Divine  government.  It  did  not  take  place  in 
the  ordinary  distribution  of  justice.  We,  the  criminals,  were  permitted 
to  escape,  while  justice  took  hold  of  him  in  our  room;  and  the  fruit  of 
his  "stripes"  is  "peace"  to  us.  Yea  it  is  sd.  All  we  like  sherp  have  gone 
a^lray;  we  have  turned  every  one  to  his  oivn  way;  and  the  Lord  hath  laid  on 
him  the  iniquity  of  iis  all.  By  going  astray,  by  turning  every  one  of  us 
to  his  own  way,  we  have  amassed  iniquity  enough  lo  bring  an  awful 
weight ofiuffering  upon  ourselves;  and  consequently  enough,  to  account 
for  his  enduring  so  many  sorrows,  and  griefi^,  ifit  be  but  admitted  (hat 
by  a  gracious  constitution  of  God,  he  has  to  bear  the  punishment  ofour 
iaiquity:  And  this  must  be  admitted;  for  the  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the 
iniquity  of  us  all.  The  correlate  idea  must  be  true.  If  the  Lord  hath 
laid  on  him  our  iniquity,  he  must  have  home  our  iniquity.  Thi>«  is  not 
only  a  matter  of  fair  inference,  but  of  positive  testimony — h\^  own  self 
bare  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree,  1  Peter  ii.  24.  Now  what 
IS  the  scriptural  idea  of  bearing  iaiquity?  Ask  the  children  of  Israel 
whose  carcases  fell  in  the  wilderness,  what  the  threatening  meant  that 


8^  CT    THE    MEDlATORrAL    RIGHTEOUSNESS    OP    CH^ISti 

thej  should  bear  their  iniquity  forty  years.  They  tell  you  that  thft 
punishment  which  their  sin  deserved  was  really  executed  on  them;  and 
they  were  excluded  from  entering  the  land  of  promise.  If,  Ihen,  a 
person's  bearing  his  own  iniquity,  means — without  any  Socinian  or 
Hopkinsian  figure — his  bearing  ihe  punishment  due  to  his  rniquity;  it 
follows  as  a  matter  of  course,  that  when  a  person  is  said  to  bear  the  ini- 
iquity  of  another,  the  meaning  is  that  be  bears  the  punishment  due  to 
the  other's  iniquity.  Tiiere  is  a  real  transfer  of  guilt  or  liability  t© 
punishment.  The  substitute  stands  in  the  room  of  him  for  whom  he  is 
substituted,  and  assumes  all  his  legal  liabililies.  In  this  light,  the  pro- 
phet presents  Christ  to  our  view.  And  he  who  can  read  the  passage, 
withou-t  finding  in  it  a  Saviour  charged  in  law  with  his  people's  sins; 
suffering,  as  their  surety,  the  punishment  ^\iq.  to  them,  and  making  a 
complete  atonement  for  their  sins,  or  satisfying  all  the  demands  of  law 
and  justice — is  to  be  pitied, either  for  his  enmity  against  the  truth;  or^ 
for  the  fatal  bias  which  some,  at  least  half  Anti  Christian  system,  has 
given  to  his  mind,  See  note  5. 

The  law  of  God,  w  hich  the  Mediator  w^as  made  under,  has  two  claims 
against  all  the  descendants  of  fallen  Adam.  It  has  a  claim  of  obe- 
dience on  thenr)  as  the  creatures  of  God;  and  a  claim  of  endurance  of 
penalty,  which  respectsthem  as  the  sinful  creatures  of  God.  The  for- 
mer claim  the  law  had  on  Adam  in  the  state  of  innocence;  the  latter 
results  from  the  breach  of  the  covenant  of  works.  Christ  being  con- 
stituted the  surety  of  his  spiritual  seed  in  the  covenant  of  grace, and  be- 
ing made  under  the  law  that  he  might  redeem^  had  both  these  claims  to 
satisfy.  And  he  did  by  the  obedience  of  his  life  satisfy  the  former;  and 
by  his  satisfactory  sufferings  the  latter.  In  these  two  things  consists 
his  righteousness — his  satisfaction  to  law  and  justice.  Thus  he  magni- 
fied the  law,  and  made  it  honorable.  It  was  declared  to  be  holy,  just 
and  good ;  when  its  precept  was  fultilled,  and  its  penalty  endured  by 
a  divine  surety,  as  the  only  condition  on  which  sinners  could  be  justi- 
fied and  obtain  the  blessing.  Hence  the  believer  in  Christ  stands  com- 
pletely righteous,  not  in  his  own  righteousness,  but  in  that  of  his  surety: 
for,  this  righteousTiess  being  graciou.sjy  imputed  to  him  the  moment  he 
believes, becomes  his  legal  righteousness;  and  answers  him  in  law  eve- 
r}'  purpose,  th.e  same  as  if  he  hiroself  had  performed  it.  This  appears 
to  he  the  plain  and  unforced  meaning  of  ail  such  scripture*?  as  the  fol- 
Jowine;  ^y  one  man's  disobedience  many  were  made  sinners,  even  so 
by  the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  le  made  righteous.  This  is  the 
VcWTC  whereby  he  shall  be  called, The  J.ord  our  righteousness. — Their 
lijrhteousnessisof  me  sailh  the  Lord. — In  the  Lord  have  1  righteousness 
and  strenj^th.  Ard  we  see  how  it  is,  that  God  is  a  just  God  and  yet  *\ 
Saviour.  "  He  i<  just  in  requiring  cbedience  to  his  law,  and  inflicting  the 
punishment  whicii  sin  deserves  on  a  surety:  he  is  a  Saviour  in  bestow- 
ing pardon  and  eternal  salvation  on  believers  in  Chiist.  When  he  jus- 
titles  a  sinner  his  judgment  is  according  (o  truth.     The  sinner  ig  riftl 


CF   Tire    lrei>lATORIAL    R^HTKOU5NE3S    OP    «IRI5T.  b'3 

justified  on  account  of  Ins  own  sincere  but  imperfect  obedience, 1.  e.  he 
is  notiustified  or  declared  to  be  rigliteous  when  he  is  not  so;  but  he  is 
justihed  in  the  strici  anl  proper  sense  of  tlie  word,  or 'Mccepted  as  rip^l>^ 
leou^in  the  sight  of  God,  only  for  tlie  righteod^ness  ol  Christ  imputed 
to  him  and  received  by  faith  alone." 

This  view  of  the  subject  is  very  different  from  the  Hopkinsian  doc- 
trine, that  the  whole  design  of  the  atonement  is  to  manifest  the  real  dis- 
position of  God  towards  sin;  so  that  when  he  receives  the  sinner  into 
his  favor,  no  one  can  suppose  him  reconciled  to  sin.  We  reject  this 
doctrine  as  «nscriptural. 

It  fallft  Inlinitely  short  of  the  spirit  and  force  of  such  passages  as 
thes«:  The  Son  of  mnn  came  not  to  be  ministered  unto,  but  to  minis- 
ter and  give  his  life  a  ransom  for  many — ye  were  not  redeemed  with 
corruptible  thing*  such  as  silver  and  gold — but  with  the  precious  blood 
of  Christ — having  obtained  eternal  redemption  for  us.  Redemption 
we  know  to  be  the  deliverance  of  captives  from  bondage,  by  laying 
down  some  valuable  consideration,  which  those  who  hold  them,  are 
willing  to  accept  as  their  ransom.  The  ransom  being  paid,  their  lib- 
eration is  due  as  a  vialter  of  justice,  to  him  who  paid  it.  Such  a  ran- 
som we  view  the  precious  blood  of  Christ,  that  God,  injustice  to  his  Son, 
will  not  execute  the  threatnings  of  the  law  on  those  for  whom  it  was 
.paid. 

2.  We  reject  it  as  Socinian  in  its  tendency.  The  real  disposition  of 
God  towards  sin  is  manifested  in  the  ihreatnmgs  of  his  word;  in  the 
judgments  which  he  executes  on  transgressors  in  this  life;  and  in  the 
future  punishment  of  Devils  and  finally  impenitent  sinners.  Another 
generation  of  speculative  theologians  have,  therefore,  only  to  arise  and 
ask.  When  the  Divine  displeasure  against  sin  is  sutficreiitly  manifest- 
ed in  other  ways,  what  need  of  an  atonement  for  the  special  purpose? 
None.  Then,  what  need  of  a  Divine  Redeemer'  None,  And  thus 
entering  at  the  breach  which  Hopkinsians  have  made,  tear  away  the 
whole  foundation  of  the  hope  of  tiie  Church. 

3.  We  detest  this  idea  of  the  atonement;  because,  it  leaves  no  more 
reason  for  the  saints  in  Heaven  lo  sing,  worthy  is  the  Lamb  thai  ivas  slain^ 
than  for  the  damned  in  Ilell.  Upon  these  two  classes  of  men,  differ- 
ent as  are  their  characters,  and  their  eternal  condition,  the  atonement 
according  to  it,  has  one  and  the  same  aspect.  That  the  saints  in  Hea- 
ven are  saved  by  the  atonement,  does  not  arise  from  any  influence  flow- 
ing from  it,  nor  from  any  influence  of  grace  exerted  on  their  souls  a? 
purc!ia=;ed  by  the  blood  of  Christ;  but  from  their  compJylng  with  the 
condition  on  which  it  was  offered;  or  if  any  who  hold  this  view  of  the 
atonement,  reject  this  as  not  their  sentiment,  they  must  then  lesolve  all 
into  eternril  election.  If  they  do  this,  it  still  remains  true  that  the 
fiiints  in  Heaven  are  under  no  higlier  obligations  to  the  atonement  of 
Christ  than  the  damned  in  Hell:  whatever  may  he  their  obligations  to 
the  electing  love  of  God. 


B4  op   THE    MEDIATORIAL    RIGHTEOUSNESS    OF    CHRIST. 

The  view  of  tKe  subject  which  we  have  taken  also  shews  what  is  to 
be  thought  of  another  Hopkinsian  dogma,  nearly  allied  to  the  former, 
that  Christ  did  not  sutFer  the  punishment  due  to  us  for  sin,  but  some- 
thing which  would  an^er  the  purpose  of  punishment.  Not  having 
been  brpught  up  in  a  school,  where  the  plainest  language  of  scripture  is 
turned  into  metaphor  and  figure,  whenever  Christ  or  his  atonement  is  to 
be  banished  from  the  pages  of  the  Bible,  we  believe  that  he  literally 
endured  the  wrath  and  curse  of  God.  We  rest  with  entire  confidence 
in  this  truth  because  we  find  it  written.  Christ  hath  delivered  us  from 
the  curse  of  the  law  being  made  a  curse  for  us — and  that  he  bore  our  sins 
in  his  own  body  on  the  tree.  We  have  already  seen  that  to  bear  our  sins^ 
is  to  bear  the  punishment  due  to  us  for  our  sins. 

.The  view  which  we  have  taken  of  the  subject  from  the  scriptures  is 
also  irreconcilable  with  a  more  raodern  and  refined  method  of  teach- 
ing Hopkinsianism,  According  to  this,  there  are  two  influencas  arising 
from  the  death  of  Christ;  of  which,  the  one  constitutes  an  atonement 
for  sin,  and  regards  all  men  as  moral  agents,  bringing  them  into  a  solva- 
ble condition;  the  other  flowing  from  his  obedience  to  the  Mediatorial 
law,  or  commandment  which  he  received  from  the  Father  to  lay  dowp 
his  life,  constitutes  the  claim  of  the  Redeemer,  for  regenerating  grace 
to  make  the  elect  willing  in  the  day  of  his  power. 

This  scheme,  if  it  does  not  entirely  confound  the  obedience  and  suf- 
ferings of  Christ,  at  least  narrows  down  his  obedience  so  as  to  make  ii 
consist  entirely  in  the  cheerfulness  and  patience  witfi  which  he  yielded 
himself  up  to  death.  HeHce  the  great  Doctor  Griffin,  who  has  tak- 
en the  lead  in  itsdefenre,  is  obliged  as  though  the  righteousuess  of  the 
Kedeemer  were  insufficient,  to  make  faith  the  '^condition  of  Gospel  jus- 
tification.'^ It  professes  to  give  the  non-elect  ^^a  chance;"  but  it  is  a 
chance  of  which  they  cannot  avail  themselves,  unless  they  regenerate 
and  sanctify  their  own  souls.  It  contradicts  the  scriptures,  whicli 
speak  of  Christ  having  been  made  under  the  same  law,  which  those 
were  under  whom  he  came  to  redeem;  and  that  his  obedience  to  this 
law  is  the  ground  or  condition  of  justification.  It  represents  God  as  hav- 
ing failed  to  execute  his  threatening  against  sin,  in  relation  to  all  who  are 
saved;  and  as  leaving  the  holy,  just,  and  good  law  of  the  covenant  of 
works  under  all  the  dishonor  cast  upon  it  by  man's  transgression,  li 
is  essential  to  the  scheme,  that  we  are  not  legally  justified  on  account 
of  a  perfect  righteousness  imputed  to  us  and  received  by  faith  alone;  but 
that  God  accepts  from  believers  less  than  a  perfect  righteousness  as  the 
condition  of  justification.  It,  therefore,  asserts  that  believers  are  justi- 
fied only  in  an  iroproper  or  figurative  sense  of  the  word;  and  by  neces- 
sary consequence  it  may  be  contended,  whenever  it  shall  answer  a  pur- 
pose, that  unbelievers  are  only  figuratively  condemned. 

The  view  of  the  subject  which  we  have  taken  also  stands  in  fronted 
opposition  to  the  Socinian  and  Hopkinsian  objection,  that  if  God  bestows 
pardon  and  eternal  life  on  believers  only  on  the  ground  of  a  complete 


OT   THE    MEDIATORIAL   RlCHTEOlfSNESS   OF    ClIMST.  M 

satisfaction  made  to  the  claims  of  law  and  justice,  there  is  no  grace  c> 
crclsed  towards  them — ialvation  is  of  justice  Jind  not  of  grace.  Th; 
h-jlvation  is  of  justice,  we  maintain  but  with  resfwct  to  Christ.  II 
performed  the  condition — he  merited  all  good  thinjj;s  for  his  peopl 
Their  salvation,  is,  therefore,  due  on  principles  of  Justice  to  him.  Bi 
what  have  believers  in  his  name  done,  to  give  them  a  claim?  Notliinj 
They  are  unworthy;  in  themselves  considered  as  unworthy  as  if  Chri: 
ii.ul  never  satisfied  for  them.  To  them,  therefore,  pardon,  justificatioi 
and  eternal  life,  are  gratuitous  favors. — But  we  must  look  at  the  whol 
ilispensation  of  God  towards  sinners.  There  was  grace  in  God's  givin 
liis  only  begotten  Son  to  be  the  propitiation  for  our  sins — grace  in  coi 
renting  to  our  being  saved  by  a  surety — grace  in  laying  our  iniquitit 
on  him  that  he  might  expiate  them — grace  in  regenerating  our  souh 
bestowing  upon  us  the  gift  of  faith,  and  every  consequent  blessing.  I 
all,  grace  reigtis  through  righteousnesSf  unto  eternal  life  by  Chri 
Jesus  our  Lord. 

The  view  which  we  have  taken  of  the  subject,  moreover  excludes  th 
'idea  of  an  indefinite  or  universal  atonement.  We  contend  that  all  thos 
for  whom  Christ  shed  his  blood  will  be  saved,  and  in  the  end,  constitut 
so  many  gems  in  his  crown  of  glory.  In  tlicir  natural  state  they  ar 
children  of  wrath  even  as  others;  but  a  time  is  fixed  in  the  purpose  c 
God,  when  her  will  begin  actually  to  bestow  upon  thena  the  fruits  c 
Christ's  death.  These,  we  believe,  were  that  seed  whom  the  Redeeme 
saw,  when  he  made  his  soul  an  offering  for  sin.  Their  salvation  wa 
fhejof/  which  was  set  before  hhn — the  definite  object  which  lie  had  i 
view  when  he  laid  down  his  life. 

1.  Because  it  is  written:  *'//e  gaze  himself  for  us^  that  he  might  redeet 
us  from  all  iniquity^  and  purify  to  himsclj  «  peculiar  people  zealou 
of  good  works,  Titus  ii.  14.  We  cannot  therefore  believe  that  he  gav 
himself  for  any  who  are  not  in  time  thus  purified,  and  made  zealous  o 
good  works;  for  if  this  were  the  case,  the  end  which  he  had  in  viev 
with  respect  to  many,  is  not  answered.  The  Redeemer  is  disappointed 
It  is  written:  he  suffered  for  sins,  the  Just  for  the  ttiijust  that  he  migh 
bring  us  to  God,  1  Peter  iii.  18.  But,  if  we  believe  scripture  an( 
facts,  many  ;ire  never  brought  to  God.  Then  one  of  two  things  mus 
follow:  either  Christ  did  notsufier  for  all  mankind;  or  the  design  of  hi 
suffering  with  respect  to  many  has  failed .  The  latter  cannot  be  admit 
ted:  the  former  is  therefore  established.  It  is  written:  he  was  deliv 
crcd  for  our  offences  and  was  raised  again  for  our  justification,  Rom.  v 
2S  He  was  raised  for  the  justification  of  the  same  persons,  for  whosi 
pfllbnces  he  was  delivered.  ^'But  all  men  are  not  justified;  believer 
only  are;  and  all  men  have  not  fjiitk."  Then  either  Christ  was  not  de 
livercd  for  the  offences  of  all  men  ;  or  his  resurrection  has  failed  in  pro 
curing  justilication  for  many,  for  whom  it  was  intended.  To  suppos( 
Jhe  latter  would  be  injurious  to  the  Son  of  God:  We  choose  the  former 
^.  We  read  every  wherein  the  Bible  of  a  people:  a  certain  number 


16  OP    THE   KEDIATORi^L    RlGHTEQiJSJifESS    OF   CHaiSTi 

5S  contradistinguished  from  the  mass  of  manlsind,  whom  Ghrist  came  to 
ave,  and  for  whom  he  laid  down  his  life.  The  reason  given  by  the 
=tngel  for  his  being  called  Jesu3  is  "because  he  shall  save  his  people  from 
heir  sins.  The  Angel  knew  nothing  of  a  Jesus,  so  called,  because  he 
iame  mereh'^  to  bring  all  men  into  a  salvable  state,  or  procure  for  them 
I  possible  salvation,  which  yet  is  impossible  in  the  event,  unless  their 
rwn  desperately  wicked  heart  can  renew  itself.  He  came  to  give  his 
ifi  aransom  fur  many;  and  the  nations  who  are  saved stre  an  exeeed- 
ng  gneat  number.  He  laid  down  his  life  for  his  sheep.  He  purchased 
lie  c/^Mrc^  with  his  own  blood.  He  brings  sons  to  glory.  He  gives 
iternal  life  to  as  many  as  were  given  him  of  (he  father ^  And  the  Aposk 
ie  does  not  say,  that  it  was  because  all  mankind^  but  bcca«se  the  chit-  . 
h'e^i  were  panakers  of  flesh  and  blood,  that  he  took  part  of  the  same. 
i^hy  tliis  language,  if  his  death  was  intended  alike  for  the  benefit  of 
dl? 

3.  We  can  never  persuade  ourselves  that  Christ  died  for  Cain  an<^ 
rudas,  as  he  did  for  Peter  and  Paul.  That  the  same  cause,  and  that  sa. 
powerful  a  cause  as  the  death  of  the  Son  of  God,  extending  its  influence 
dike  to  all,  s-hould  yet  produce  absolutely  no^ffect  with  respect  to  some,.. 
A'hile  it  works  the  deliverance  af  others  from  the  wrath  and  curse  o£ 
Sod,  making  them  Kings  and  Priests  unto  him — is  an  idea  which  the 
rheological  speculatist  may  reconcile  to  his  mind,  buUthe  process  by 
5\'hich  itis  done,  the  plain  bejiever  will  never  learn  by  reading  his  Bi- 
ble. If  w^e  could  believe  that  tlje  Lord  Jesus  Christ  m  making  his 
ilonement,  had  as  full  an  intention.to  save  those  who  perish  in  their  sins, 
as  those  who  shall  in  the  end  constitute  the  great  body  of  the  redeemed 
from  among  men;  and  that  he  died  for  the  seed  of  the  serpent,  for  Pha- 
roab.  for  Jereboam  the  son  of  Nebat,  who  made  li>rael  to  sin,  for  the 
man  of  sin  and  son  of  perdition,  and  for  all  those  cruel  enemies  of  the 
church  who  have  lived  and  died  shedding  the  blood  of  his  saints,  many 
©f  whofm  were  in  hell  long  before  he  died; — If  we  could  believe  that  his 
precious  blood  was  shed  for  these  and  such  as  these,  as  w^ell  as  for  those 
w^ho  by  his  Spirit  applying  the  virtues  of  his  atonement,  are  made  to 
submit  to  his  riahtcixisness  and  honor  him  as  their  Lord — then  indeed 
"^e  would  renounce  that  system  of  doctrine  commonly  called  Calvinism ; 
but  it  would  not  be  to  embrace  the  Arminian  nor  tl-Le  Hopkinsian,  nor 
any  other  scheme  which  professes  to  be  founded  on  the  revelation  of 
Ood:  but  that  which  avows  itself  the  enemy  and  rival  of  them  all. 

Nevertheless  we  admit,  that  the  sacrifice  of  Christ,  is  in  itself,  of 
iufiRite  value:  but  neither  its  virtue  nor  its  existence,  in  any  sense  can 
be  considered,  as  extending  bevond  the  limits  of  the  covenant  of  grace, 
hi  this  covenant  we  have  the  ?/i/<:7?iion  with  which  it  wasolTered.  This 
is  the  salvation  of  God's  elect*  But  previous  to  the  day  of  beheving, 
^ese  are  children  of  wrath  even  as  others — F^r  all  have  sinned.  As, 
therefore, ail  men  are  dinners  and  in  one  common  condition  of  ruin;  as 
•he  atonemcpii  of  Christ  is  a  remedy  suitable  to  them  all;  and    as  the 


gr    THE    MEDIATORIAL    RIGHTEOUSNESS   OF    CHIllST.  67 

promise  is  that  whosoevsr  believeth  sluill  l)c  saved: — Christ  and  salva- 
tion throiiph  hiniv,arc  to  be  offered  to  all  who  hear  (he  Gospel.  And 
they,  whHe  they  are  called  upon  tobrlirve  their  lost  condition  as  sin- 
ners, and  that  a  remedy  is  provided  for  them  aiJ  sinners  which  iftlicy  ac- 
cept they  shall  be  saved;  are  to  look  to  Cod  that  he  would  bt-stow 
upon  tbem  the  gift  of  iaith.  The  doctrine  of  a  limited  atonement  ii 
supposed  by  some  to  be  a  disrouraginji;  doctrine.  But  how?  Wh;»t  h 
there  discouraging  in  that  view  of  the  atonement  whirh  *eprescnti 
Christ  as  having  purchased  the  influences  of  the  Spirit  to  make  men 
able  and  willing  to  embrace  the  offer  of  mercy ;  so  that  while  thcii 
ears  ar^  saluted  with  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation,  they  may  look  it 
God,  that  for  Christ's  sake,  he  would  make  them  «  leillwgpcnple  in  tJn 
ilay  of  hh  power?  We  think,  if  any  schenrw  of  the  atonement  ha?  a  ten- 
dency to  discourage  the  fearful  sinner,  it  is  that  which  makes  Clirist  on 
\y  to  to  have  opened  away  of  salvation  while  ke  is  left  to  struggle  with 
all  the  power  of  sin  ahd  temptation,  and  overcome  by  his  own  weak 
jicss,  before  he  can  embrace  the  offer  of  life. 

Here  is  an  atonement  limited  indeed — limited  in  a  way  that  we  pray 
God  none  of  us  may  ever  have  a  hand  in  limiting  it.  But  still,  \\t 
know  that  after  we  have  said  all,  could  we  even  say  an  hundred  timei 
more  than  would  be  proper  in  a  paper  of  this  kind,  it  will  be  thought  b} 
many  that  it  wonld  be  more  comfortable  to  believe  in  a  general  atone- 
ment. But  how?  If  such  is  the  language  of  any  man's  heart  we  woulc 
-say  to  him:  Friend,  you  are  either  an  unawakened  prayerless  sinner,  oi 
you  area  serioutsoul  earnestly  inquiring  the  way  of  life.  If  you  are 
the  former,  what  comfort  canyon  find  in  believing  a  general  atonemen 
hy  which  you  will  never  be  benefitted,  if  you  live  and  die  siich  as  yoi 
are  now?  You  cannot  surely  suppose  that  Christ's  blood  will  save  a  de& 
piser  who  neglects  his  salvation.  But  if  you  are  serious  on  the  subject 
because  you  feel  your  need  of  the  atonement,  what  comfort  could  it  bi 
to  you  to  believe  a  general  atonement  which  has  not  profited  thousand! 
for  whom  it  was  made?  Or  "what  could  you  desire  to  know  more  tliat 
that  the  atonement  of  Christ  is  as  ample  as  the  petitions  for  pardon  wil 
ever  require?"  Of  this  you  may  be  assured.  Whosoever  hdieveti 
sftall  be  saved.  Him  that  cometh  to  me  I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out.  Hi 
is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  them  that  comeiinto  God  bi/  him. 

We  shall  now  conclude  this  paper,  by  addressing  to  you  a  few  mia 
ccllaneous  remarks — 

Brethren,  the  cry  of  the  present  day  \sfree  inquvy^  lihcrality,  chant. 
and  with  such  sounds  unstable  soul?,  are  too  often  beguiled.  Ever 
one,  who  has  something  to  say  acjainst  the  truth,  deals  largely  in  snci 
language  for  a  double  purpose: — to  make  the  popular  impression  tl  a 
those  who  hold  fast  t,he  form  of  sound  zcords  are  lacking  in  these  qnalif] 
cations;  and  to  flatter  the  vanity  of  their  gaping  admirers,  by  insinua 
ling  to  them  that  they  are  men  of  intelligence,  and  expanded  intellecl 
though  they  noay  never  have  r<Md  nor  thought  nor  undcjrgtood  rnou^l 


(iF  THE  MEDIATORIAL  RIGHTEOUSNESS  OF  CirRISr> 

to  entitle  them  to  the  denomination  ofinquirers  of anj  description.  Ju 
the  name  of  all  that  is  not  absolutely  ludicrous,  what  can  free  inqniryi 
mean  in  the  moitths  of  men  whose  religious  creed  consists  in  negatives  ? 
whose  religious  ideas  are  not  so  numerous  as  to  allow  them  one  for  ev- 
ery day  in  the  week;  and  whose  religious  conversation  consists  in  ring- 
ing  the  changes  on  a  few  Biblical  quibbles/ — We  arc  not  afraid  of  free 
inquiry,  provided  it  be  conducted  in  a  sober, cautious,  reverential  man- 
ner. It  is  licentious  inquiry — men's  exalting  their  reason  to  sit  io 
judgment  on  the  Book  of  God,  and  discarding  all  those  doctrines  which 
are  not  easily  comprehensible  by  their  disordered  minds,  that  does  all 
the  mischief.  Neither  have  we  any  objections  to  Christian  liberality 
and  charity:  our  lamentation  is  that  so  little  of  them  exists. 

Those  doctrines  which  we  have  advanced  in  these  pnges,  have  long 
been  received  by  the  charch  of  God.  This,  which,  we  would  suppose 
ought  rather  to  be  their  recommendation—  for  there  is  surely  safety 
as  well  as  pleasure  in  walking  by  the  footsteps  of  the  flock — will  be 
with  many  a  sufficient  reason  for  rejecting  them  with  lordly  contemoLr 
Their  practical  principle  -mil  be,  that  the  system  of  doctrine  whim 
God  has  revealed  to  us  by  his  Spirit,  is  as  susceptible  of  improvement 
as  a  human  art  or  science;  and  that  the  faith  of  God''s  electa  like  a  la- 
bor-saving machine,  is  to  be  brought  to  perfection  by  the  successive  ef- 
forts of  human  icgenuity.  Nor  could  better  have  been  expected,  than 
thatafage  for  novelty  should  attack  the  immutable  truths  of  God,  in 
rin  age  when  every  thing  is  changing  and  nothing  fixed.  But  zcisdojn 
i<  justified  of  her  ehilclren.  The  doctrines  delivered  by  our  Lord  and 
his  apostles;  preached,  professed,  believed  in,  Jived  in,  and  died  in,  by 
tens  and  hundreds  and  thousands,  who  have  taken  their  flight  from 
earth  to  heaven,  with  the  song  of  salvation  on  their  lips,  and  anticipa- 
ted glory  in  their  hearts,  will  not  be  parted  with  so  easily  by  any  who^" 
arc  included  in  the  election  of  grace.  Besides  the  claim  which  these 
doctrines  have  upon  our  regard  from  <heir  being  the  doctrines  of  the^ 
scriptures,  they  have  also  another  claim  which  none  of  our  modern  no- 
tions can  consistently  set  up.  They  have  been  professed,  they  have^ 
been  believed  in,  they  have  been  lived  in,  and  died  in,  against  all  ths' 
^ower  and  terror  of  proscriptions,  and  confiscations,  and  imprisonments^ 
and  banishments,  and  scourgings,  and  burnings.  They  have  braved 
the  fire, the  faggot,  and  the  stake.  They  have  been  subjected  to  the 
trial  by  fire,  and  have  passed  the  horrid  ordeal.  Scotland  can  attest; 
Germany  can  attest;  France  can  attest;  the  numerous  provinces  of  the 
Roman  empire  can  attest,  that  their  contexture  was  too  firm,  and  their 
spirit  too  determined  to  be  subdued  by  the  utmost  fury  ofthe  cohortso^ 
persecution.  And  if  m  any  of  these  lands  the  truth  now  lies  slain  in 
the  street,  it  is  not  because  its  advocates  meanly  shrunk  in  the  day  of 
trial;  but  because  another  generation  aroye,  who  became  vain  in  their 
imaginations,  and  bartered  the  substantial  truths  of  God,  for  the  va- 
pouring speculatiohs  of  men.     Now,  can  the  easy  light  hearted  reli- 


off    THE    MEDIATORIAL    RIOHTE00SNE3S    OF    CHRIST.  89 

jjious  projector,  who  basking  in  the  sunshine  of  liberty  and  prospcrily, 
^in?  stricken  a  now  theory  out  ol'his  brain;  and  laughing  himself,  would 
set  others  a  lauc;liing  at  all  that  our  Father.s  believed, — can  lie  J-ay  as 
much  for  his  notions?  Let  tiie  fires  of  persecution,  be  lighted  up  with 
«uch  fury  as  they  have  blazed  around  the  church  of  God,  hut  a  few  cen- 
turies ago;  and    have  we  any  facts   to  convince  us  tlint  these  notions 
would  not  meanly  sneak  into  theirlurking  j^laces;  or  make  their  peace 
with  the  p'?rsecutors,  by  declaring,  as  many  of  them  might  consisfenily 
cnougb,  that  they  tud  nerer  been  with  Jesus?  —  We  readily  grant  that 
all  ancient  things  are  not  to  be  venerated;  nor  is  an  opinion  thcreloic 
gpod  because  itiaold:   But  still,  will  the  wise  man  sj?iy,  If  my  country  is 
in  dangjer,  give  me  the  tried  veteran  who  has  seen  a  lield   of  bntlle 
without  running  away;  and.  not  the  upstart  othrer,  who  but  ye^terday 
sprung  into  consequence,  with  his  sword  by  his  side,  his  epaulettes  glit- 
tering on  his  shoulder — describing  figures  on  the  sand,  to  shew   me 
what  plan  of  attack  would  be  his,  if  he  could  get  the  enem3^on  some 
\'antagi5^  ground  which  his  fancy  has  created.     On  the  sa^me  prit.ciples, 
33  1  ani  a  sinner  born  to  die,  and  my  soul  is  in  danger,  commend  me  U* 
those  doctrines  which  have  been   tried,  and  have  yielded    grricc  and 
glory  to  the  saints  of  the  Bible;  and  thousands  of  others  before   n»e. 
But  do  you  tell  me,  that  ^your  notions  which  ape  the  Go:pel  so  dexter- 
ously, or  contradict  it  so  impudently,  are  better?    Well,  if  you  think  so, 
and  they  must  be  i/ours,  let  them  he  ,y ours,  and  do  t/ou  reap  all  the 
consolation.     1  want  none  of  it.  .  > 

Much  is  said  at  the  present  day  about  union  in  the  Church;  and  more 
zeal  is  frequently  spent  in  drilling  Christians  into  some  favorite  views  of 
this  subject,  than  to  convert  sinners  from  the  error  of  their  ways.  From 
the  ground  which  we  have  taken,  and  the  course  which  we  have  thought; 
it  our  duty  to  pursue,  it  is  probable  that  some  may  suppose  us  hostile  to 
union  on  any  principle;  and  we  think,  we  have,  m  some  instances,  wit- 
nessed, something  like  an  attempt  to  array  popular  prejudice  against  uf*- 
on  this  pretence.  But  we  declare  ourselves  th«  inflexible  advocates  of 
anion,  Sec  note  G.  Be  it  remem  )ered,  however,  that  the  ur.ion  whiclr 
we  esteem  and  would  wish  to  pro:note  is  not  an  outward  organic  union, 
among  those  who  dili'nrso  widely  in  sentiment  that  while  the  outwarri 
show  of  unity  is  kept  up,  contention?,  and  jealousies  and  animosities, 
like  putrid  sores,  fret  and  fester  within:  but  a  real  union,  which  has  for 
its  basis,  a  oneness  of  heart  in  the  love  of  Christ,  and  of  mind,  in  th(j 
love  and  profession  of  his  truth.  And  whenever  a  proposal  is  made  to 
us  in  good  faith,  by  any  d^jriomination,  that  each  of  us  shall  go  to  tlie 
Scriptures  and  examine  whether  what  we^believe  and  practise  has  a 
warrant  therf,  with  tlie  view  of  forming  sut  h  a  ui.ion  as  this:  we  trus^ 
Tve  shall  always  be  wiHiwg  to  accept  it  in  l!ic  same  good  faith  and  wilU 
the  utmost  cordiality.  We  protest,  however,  against  any  and  every  at-« 
tempt  to  call  in  the  aid  of  popular  fashion  or  prejudice  to  compel  us  to 
form  any  such  unian,  as  will  involve  the  burial  of  any  of  the  precious 


9% 


Qt    THE   MEDIATORIAL    RIGHTEOTJsNESS   OT   CHRIST. 


truths  of  the  GoFpel.  And  we  give  public  notice  that  we  will  evei" 
regard  every  officious  appeal  lo  us  on  the  subject  as  coming  vith  pe- 
culiar infelicitj,  while  we  must  iis^ten  to  all  this  oilensive  Theologism, 
that  God  creates  sin-^^that  unconditional  subraiFsior.  to  Obd  is  (he  test 
of  true  Christianity  -that  faith  is  the  condition  of  GosptiJ  justiticaticn 
— and  that  the  Sonship  of  Christ  is  not  eternal  and  divine.  Let  any 
branch  of  the  chtirch  ^hich  would  have  us  unite  with  her,  silerrce  this 
blasphemous  contradiction  within  her  own  jurisdiction,  and  we  will 
Ifnovv  better  how  to  appr^eciate  the  invitation,  *'come  wiUi  us,  and  we 
will  do  thee  good,  for  the  Lovd  hath  spokf^n  good  concerning  us." 

We  have  a  word  to  say  on  the  subject  of  communion  in  sealing  ordiil- 
ances  with  Christians  of  other  denominations.  This  is  a  point  on  which 
iTien's  ideas  ditTer  and  alvvays  have  djflTered;  and  were  liberality  half  as 
much  practised  as  praised,  we  should  suppose  that  every  denomicaiioiif 
might  have  permission  to  hold  its  own  views,  and  abi<Je  by  its  own  prac- 
tice, "without  exciting  (he  opposition  or  ill-will  of  others.  But  that  thi^ 
should  really  be  the  case,  is  perhaps  too  much  to  exj^^t^  in  an  age^' 
when  there  exists  so  much  of  that  charity  which  is  willing  that  nothing 
fehould  exist  but  itself. 

Whatever  may  be  the  length  to  which  communion  may  lawfully  be 
extended,  one  thing  is  certain,  that  an  advocate  for  free  commusioB 
sihouM  be  influenced  by  some  nobler  *and  more  disinterested  motives^ 
than  a  wish  to  gain  proselytes  from  those  denominations  to  whom  he  sett 
<pen  the  doors.  That  there  are  some  horest  advocates  for  it  we  free- 
ly admit,  and  hope  there  are  even  many;  but  that  t4iere  ar^  also  some 
o{  another  description,  we  should  be  great  novices  were  we  to  doubt. 
How  else  shall  we  account  for  a  fact  of  frequent  occurrence,  that  when 
two  contigueus  congregations  belonging  to  denominations  which  have 
declared  for  union,  begin  to  draw  up  closer  to  each  other,  the  members 
of  each  are  immediately  expressing  their  hopes  that  all  w'lWJoiji  them; 
but  when  some  suspicioir^  circumstances  mai<e  each  begin  to  fear  t>at 
instead  of ^aiiiingyihe'ir  party  will  lose  by  the  intimacy,  it  is  ?pet*di]y 
broken  oil",  and  col(in€ss,  distance,  evil  speakings  and  evil  surmtstngSj 
iake  the  place  of  all  that  lately  went  under  the  name  of  love,  charity, 
liberality,  union.  And  have  we  not  seen  the  public  declaimeriu  favor 
of  communion  with  all  professing  ChirMians,  acting  on  all  politic  rcca- 
sions  the  part  of  the  sly,  intriguing  parlizan;  and  by  a  tone  of  language 
and  of  conduct  more  easily  conceived  than  descrrbed,  endeavouring  to 
jpfuse  the  mo^t  ini-irious  prejudices  against  every  party  but  his  own, 
into  the  minds  of  nil  with  whom  he  has  influence. 

Having,  forourown  part,  no  purposes  to  serve  of  *^hich  honest  men 
need  bo  ashamed,  we  slall  speak  out.  We  do  i:ct  extend  communion  \o 
^hose  denominations  whom  we  view  as  corrupting  the  doctrine  or  wor- 
ship of  the  church,  because,  we  think,  the  Scriptures  forbid  us;  and  b€- 
rause  the  consequence  ofsuch  communion  must  inevitably  be  a  sacrifice 
!>f  t.'-ath .    Men  may  speculate  as  they  please  about  its  bein^  the  b^st  way 


iL9   THE    MEDIATORIAL    RtCHTEOTJSNESS    OF   CHUIST.  91 

Lo  recover  erring  brethren  **to  walk  together  with  them*' to  the  utmost 
verge  of  safety,  but  ii  wili  not  be  found  to  liold  in  fact.      Error  is  congr- 
..'ci\  to  the  human  heart:  and  it  is  much  more  likely  that  a  promiscuous 
)mmunion  asfiong  all  profrssing  Christians,  will  result  in  the  deteriora- 
tic^n  of  th«>ie  denominntions  which  are  more  pure,  than  in  the  approxi- 
mation of  the  IdSfi  pure  to  the  standard  of  tlie  former.     For  such  results, 
ftoF  «'liat  we  have  seen,  we  must  surely  he  convinced,  that  the  church 
1  Cod  has  no  need.      Besides,  if  we  depart  from  our  own  standards 
r,  admitting  others  to  our  communion  tabic,  where  shall  we  stop?   \\t} 
.nploy  no  ether  reasoning  hcr^^  than  ali  employ  when  it  suits  thcm% 
M  we  wish  to  eraploy  it  uniformly.     '*&top  at  fundamental  error«,say' 
-wcne.     It  is,  indeed,  difiicuit  to  give  a  complete  list  of  fundamental 
errors*,  but  call  io  the  aid  of  pratical  good  sense,  and  you  will  be  safe.'' 
f;dcedlbut  has  not  c^ery  person  some  tdeix  of  the  ease  with  which  n 
ale  sophistry  can  lead  good  sense  captive?    ^-IJow  many  grains  of 
^.mdmakea  heap?  Do  three?  Vou  must  say  no.     Do  four?   Yon  must 
make  the  «ame  answer.     In  this  way  the  t^ue-^ti^in  may  proceed,  still 
Mding  a  single  grnin  till  you  come  to  a  thousand,  and  then  if  you  say, 
.'hese  are  a  heap,  you  may  be  accused  of  having  absurdly  made  a  single 
grain,  constitute  the  dillfeience  between  little  and  much  .■'     Now,  there 
is  every  variety  of  heresy  in  the  church;  and  with  errors  still  increas- 
•<i:  in  magnitude,  but  distingaished  from  each  otiier  only  by  the  slightest 
.  lades  oi  ditFerence,  is  the  whole  distance  tilled  up,  trom  the  smallest 
<!octrinal  abrrration,  to  a  vital  corruption  of  the  Gospel,  or  a  fundamen- 
lalerror-    What  then isa  fundamental  firror,or  an trrorofsyflicient  mag- 
nitude toexclude  a  nr«aiifromcenr^munion '  Is  Arminiquism?  Thezealous 
■\  d  vocatc  for  ex  tended  communion  w  ill  at  once  say,  no.   Is  Hopkinsianism  ? 
>o.  Is  Arianism?  Doudful,  Sec  note  7.     Why, many  Arians  talk  respect- 
fully of  Christ,  and  hold  as  real  an  atonenr\entaS5omc  liopkinsians.    Well 
4ken  ifan  Arian  should  appear  to  be  p^ioas,  I  could  have  communion  with 
him.  Is  Socinianism'*  ]>oubtful.      Oh!  you  are  prejudiced ag.iinst  them. 
They  are  indeed  moie  liijeral  in  their  sentimetits  than  others,  but  many  of 
'.em  are  hopefully  pious--talk  in  as  high  terms  of  Chrift  as. some 
Arians — And  worship  him  as  njuch.     Well  \  do  not  see  how  1  could  re- 
fuse to  have  communion  with  such  Socinians.     It  may  be  said  that  this 
is  a  sophistical  mothod  of  puzzling  the  subject-:  and  it  is  granted  there 
is  sophistry  in  it  ^  but  it  is  a  kind  of  sophistry  which  has  a  real  existence, 
and  by  which  everyone  who  departs  from  the  standards  uf  the  church 
to  which  he  belongs,  in  admitting  others  to  his  communion,  will  find, 
the  subject  practically  puzzled. 

Hrethrev,  vve  hope  none  of  you  will  mistake  our  intention, €0  far  as 
to  suppose,  that  in  this  paper,  we  design  an  attack  on  Christians  of  any 
ii.trne.  Let  it  not  be,  nor  be  viewed  by  any  oi  you,as  a  bon^  of  conten- 
lion.  Our  object,  is  not  to  excite  unlVicndly  findings,  towards  Christians 
of  other  denominations:  but,  so  far  as  our  feeble  voice  will  reach,  to 
n  r\rn  all  ajainst  impending  evil .      Anrl  tliough  we  expect  to  be  stigma- 


^2 


op    THE    MEBlATOaiAL    RIGHTEOPSNESS    OF    •H.gl^t^ 


tiz3d  as  sectarian  selfish  bigots,  by  all  whose  zeal  expends  itself  in  serv- 
ing iiUle  party  purposes,  while  they  would  be  thought  the  men  oriiberal 
minds;  we  have  yet  some  confidence  of  hope,  that  the  general  tone  of 
tiiis  address,  will  be  approved  by  the  wise  and  the  good,in  different  de- 
nominations. We  would  earnestly  recommend  to  you,  to  cherish  sen- 
timents of  esteem  and  regard  for  all  who  love  our  Lord  Jesus.  Foi-  the 
f^rrors  of  any  who  bear  this  character,  it  would  be  improper  for  you  to 
treat  their  persons  with  uhkmdness.  Jt  is  your  duty  on  the  ccntrarj 
to  desire  their  weltare;  to  be  helpers  of  their  faith;  and  if  in  any  thing 
they  he  otherwise  minded,  to  pray  that  God  would  reveal  even  this  tp 
llienri. 

But  for  the  sake  of  being  esteemed  liberal  and  charitable,  never 
m.ik<*  any  unhallowed  compromises  with  sinful  opinions  or  pniclices. 
As  Deisms  and  Socinians,  are  at  present  the  louciest  boasters  of  the  lib- 
erality of  their  sentinients,  so  soon  as  a  man  becomes  covetous  of  this 
praise,  he  is  in  a  fair  way  of  being  caught  in  the  snares  of  death. 

See  that  you  walk  as  becomes  the  followers  of  Christ.  Let  it  be  your 
chief  study  to  recommend  the  truth  of  the  Gospel  by  leading  peaceable 
lives  in  all  Godliness  and  honesty;  that  so  you  may  evince  to  the  world 
jhat  ^ou  knoTJO  the  truth  and  the  truth  has  made  you  free.  Pray 
much  for  the  prosperity  of  Zion—  and  for  us.  And  take  heed  to  your- 
selves. Remember,  that  yoa  are  sinners  against  a  God  of  infinite  jus- 
tice and  holiness,  and  that  your  souls  must  be  purified  by  the  blood  of 
atonement,  before  you  are  fit  for  that  holy  happy  pla4:e  which  God  has 
provided  for  his  saints.  See  that  you  secure  an  interest  in  the  right- 
eousness of  th€  Redeemer  by  believing  on  his  name. 

God  has  committed  to  you  who  are  parents  an  important  trust — the 
religioOs  education  of  your  children.  This  is  always  a  chief  part  of  the 
duty  of  a  Christian  parent;  but  it  is  especially  so,  in  an  age  of  the 
Church;  when  efforts  so  various,  so  imposing,  and  so  successful  are 
made  io pervert  the  right  ways  of  God.  The  time  has  fully  come, 
when  there  is  no  longer  any  reason  to  hope,  that  our  youth  will  be  pre- 
served from  the  seductions  of  those  who  lie  in  wait  to  deceive,  unless 
thev  are  early  well  instructedin  the  doctrines  of  Christianity.  In  nine 
cases  out  often,  perhaps  in  which  the  youtii  of  the  Church  are  capti- 
vate^l  by  tUaf'shew  of  wisdom,"  which  leads  to  a  "denying  of  the  Lord 
that  bought  them,''  the  evil  may  be  t^-aced  to  the  neglect  of  parentat 
instruction. 

As  your  Pastorpitisourduty,  by  parochial  visitation,  and  by  frequent 
i\\?{<  of  examination,  to  instruct  the  youth  as  well  as  others;  and  woe 
iiDto  ns  if  we  neglect  our  duty — but  this  does  not  remove  the  burden 
fiom  your  shoulders — All  will  have  enough  to  do.  And  unless  our  en- 
deavors ar^  well  seconded  by  parents  tliey  must  prove  abortive. 

,/ind  now,  brethren,  we  commend  you  io  God,  and  to  the  zoord  of  his, 
gracG,  which  is  able  to  build  you  vp,  and  give  you  an  inheritance  amonji 
'J U  them  that  are  sanctified.     Amen 


(I)  P.  Cl.  Dr.  Ely,  however,  admits,  that  while  Rons*;  >  mi  moo, 
<<caanot  be  char;;cd  with  any  unscripturai  doctrines,  in  some  few  in- 
stances we  must  withhold  this  praise  from  Watts.'' — Qu.  Theo.  Re- 
view, Vol.  ii.  p.  403.  Yet  if  the  Doctor  pleads/or  any  thing  it  is  for 
the  use  of  the  Imitations  of  Watts,  in  prefercncft  to  the  version  of  Rouso. 
Having  noticed  this,  we  cannot  forbear  making  a  few  extracts  from  a 
writer  under  the  signature  of  Moderator,  in  the  July  number  of  the 
Presbyterian  Magazine,  for  the  year  1822.  He  pleads  softly  for  the 
nse  of  liumau  compositions;  but  at  the  same  time  rebukes  some  on  his 
aide  of  tiie  question  for  running  to  unwarrantable  extremes. 

<*It  is  true,  concerning  the  Psalms  of  Scripture,  that  they  were  giveft 
undor  the  ^Mosaic  economy',  and  that  tliey  were  used  in  t^ie  service  of 
the  Temple;  but  it  will  not  do  to  infer  from  this  that  they  are  to  be  laid 
aside  under  the  Gospel.  The  whole  Old  Testament  Scriptures  were 
given  under  the  Mosaic  ecouomy,  and  appointed  to  be  read  in  the  syna- 
gogue every  sabbath  day.  But  are  they  abolished  with  the  typical  part  of 
that  economy  which  was  the  shadow  of  good  things  to  come,  and  to  be 
reudno  more?  Nobody  will  pretend  it — and  that  the  Book  of  Psalms  is 
abolished  to  be  sung  no  more  is  as  little  to  be  pretended.  For  the  verj 
same  reason  which  would  exclude  them  from  being  sung  with  profit, 
would  exclude  them  from  being  read  with  profit.  The  duty  of  prais- 
ing God  has  undergone  no  change — in  substance,  it  is  the  same  novT 
that  it  was  when  David  and  Asaph,  under  the  inspiration  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  delivered  their  Psalms  to  the  Church.  That  which  was  praise 
then  is  certainly  praise  still;  and  the  very  fact  of  the  Scri|)ture  Psalms 
being  the  insjuration  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  would  seem  to  give  them  a  su- 
periority above  evesy  uninspired  production  ;  and  a  superiority  they  un- 
questionably liave  in  all  the  great  essentials  of  praise.  *  *  *  Now  I 
vill  venture  to  assert,  without  fear  of  contradiction,  from  any  who 
ivould  have  a  right  to  contradict,  I  mean  those  who  have  an  intimate 
and  experimental  acquaintanee  with  their  Bibles,  that  all  those  thiwgs 
which  the  heart  can  pour  forth  before  God, abound  in  the  Book  of  Psalms, 
at  least  equal  to  any  thing  that  is  found  in  any  other  part  of  the  Scrip- 
ture, either  of  the  Old  or  New  Testament:  and  if  so  where  is  the  humaa 
production  that  will  surpass  them?'*   [Reader,  rohere?] 

'*As  for  the  opinion,  that  some  portions  of  the  Psalms  breathe  a  spirit 
of  resentment  and  revenge,  against  the  personal  enemies  of  the  Psalm- 
ist, inconsistent  with  the  forgiveness  of  the  Gospel,  and  tend  to  gener- 
ate such  a  feeling  in  the  bosoms  of  those  who  use  them,  it  is  surprising 
that  any  who  believe-in  the  inspiration  of  the  Psalms  should  allow  them- 
selves to  entertain  it.  Does  God's  word  contain  contradictions?  Is  it 
the  ministep  of  sin?  Certainly  before  such  a  sentincent  is  hazarded,  we 
ought  to  be  sure  we  thoroughly  understand  those  portions  of  God's 
word  to  which  such  a  defect  is  attributed." 

After  alleging  the  want  of  a  smooth  and  harmonious  literal  version  of 
the  Psalms  of  Scripture;  as  In  purl  the  reason  of  thcdisrclislj  into  which 


*»t4  KOTsa. 

tWey  are  failcn,  the  writer  goes  on  to  remark — **feut  it  is  humbly  con<i 
reived,  it  is  net  the  chief  reason.  The  very  excellence  of  the  Psalms 
themselves  has  its  eflect.  Their  depth  of  matter,  their  spirituality, 
their  sublimity;  their  transcendant  elevation  of  devotion,  raise  theni 
above  the  comprehension,  and  above  the  standard  of  devotional  feeling 
f)'f  ordinary  Christians.  It  is  a  fact  that  Christians  of  deficient  attain- 
ments often  find  themselves  more  edified  in  reading  other  books  than 
the  Bible,  and  really  Eelish  them  more.  But  the  higher  Christians  rise 
in  gra<:ious  experience,  the  higher  is  their  esteem  for  the  pure  word  of 
God',  until  at  length  every  human  production  becomes  insipid  in  com- 
parison therewith.  As  it  certainly  can  iiave  no  good  efiect  to  produce 
in  the  public  miad  a  preference  of  other  books  to  the  Bible,  so  it  is  con- 
ceived there  can^  f.o  good  effect  arise  from  promoting  in  the  public  taste, 
R /irefrrejice  of  other  compositions  to  the  Psalms  the  Holy  Spirit  hath 
inspired."  When  the  views  and  feelinga  of  this  writer  shall  have  be-. 
come  universal  among  these  v/ith  whom  the  *'Psalms  of  Scripture  ha'vse. 
lallen  into  disretlsii,'*  if  that  better  day  ever  arrives,  the  Church  of  God 
"may  then  hope  soon  to  see  a  da^  still  better ,  when  '^preference  for  the 
Fsalmsof  Scripture  will  he  evinced  by  Christians,  notonly  in  acknow- 
ledging their  superiority  above  uninspired  productions,  but  also  in  their 
confining  themsdves  exchtsively  to  them.  Then  too,  will  Christian 
ministers  and  Christian  men,  begin  to  beashamed'of  promoting  ^.vorong 
preference  in  the  pubhc  taste,  by  saying  all  those  fine  things  of  Watts 
and. of  his  poetical  elTusions,  ^Hvhich  they  have  received  by  tradition 
from  their  Fathers,''  and  at  the  same  time  sneering  at  the  best  version 
of  Ih©  Psalms  of  inspiration  with  which  the  church  has  ever  been  bles-» 
sod,  because  the  poetical  feci  do  not  always  trip  so  neatly  over  the  whole 
%ngth  of  a  stanza  as  the  ^'rcal  jti-dges^  my  they  ought — the  usual  aa4 
mot>t  successful  arts  employed  by  very  sviall  men^  to  seduce  a  victim  of- 
'proselyting  zeal,  away  from  his  preference  '^io  the  Psalms  which  the» 
Moly  Spirit  hath  inspired— Pub.  com.  * 

(2.)  P.  6  2.  The  circumstances  connected  withthisrevi<pw  were  somewhat 
:^musing.  Dr.  Miller  had  bee*^  attacked  in  the  Unitarian  Miscellany. 
He  wrote  a  rej/Iy  and  sent  it  to  the  Editors^  but  they,  notwithstanding- 
■iieir  promise,  thattheir  columns  should  be  open  for  temperate  discus- 
Ntions  OTJ  either  sido  ot"  the  question,  refused  to  insert  it.  Dr.  Miller  ajj*- 
peared  before  the  public  in  the  pamphlet  form.  The  Rev.  James  R.  W^il- 
sonof  the  Reformed  Church,  wrote  a  review  of  this  pamphlet;  in  which 
he  undertook  to  prove,  that  as  the  Unitarians  claimed  Dr.  Watts,  he 
should  be  given  up  to  them,  and  sent  it  to  the  publishing  committee  of  the 
Presbyterian  Magazine,  who.  in  their  turn, refused  to  admit  it,  but  would 
not  give  their  reasons.  Dr.  Kly,  hovveverr,  one  of  the  committee,  declar- 
ed ''his  willingness  for  its  insertion,  and  said  he  was  not  afraid  to  let  the 
w^hole  truth  bf.  known."  Mr.  Wilson  then  published  his  review  in  a 
separate  pamphlet.  We  state  these  facts  on  the  authority  of  this  gen- 
1^.«mam      They  speak  a  I:in<i'i;ige  which  will  be  understood. 


K0TC*3.  ^ 

^.  o.i  c.rtor  Mr.  Wilson's  pamphlet  niacle  il&  appearance,  Dr.  Jam- 
vay  published  in  titc  I*.  Maj^azine,  an  extract  from  l>)r.   Walls'  vvorl. 
to  pfi^ve  that  he  was  orthodox  on  these  subjects.     A  similar  controvtj- 
sy  about  tht-.  orthodoxy  of  the  poetical  Doctor,  is  said  to  have  existed 
inK.jgland  soon  after  his  death.     Now,  what  are  we  to  make  of  all  lhi& 
contradiction? — and    contradictory  testimony?     Simply  this — in    the 
rovirsc  ofhis  Thelogical  life,  l^r.  Walls  was  *'every  thing,  and  nothing 
J|ong."     His  miiid  was  always  uoReltled  on  the  doctrine  of  the  trinily 
— in  the  early  part  of  his  life  he  was  perhaps  pretty  correct — but  I 
wavered;  becattje  the  longer  l4ie  more  loose  in  iiit>  view?, till  he  tinaJi 
•rejcQ^ed  it.     As  Ur,   Janeway   has  furnished   the  premises,    we  shi.i 
dfdw  the  following  in/erence,  and  leave  it  with  all   mrn  Tcho  ihinh^  t. 
say  whether  it  is  not  a  fair  oae.     Dr.  Janewmpnual  have  felt   that   /A 
vhmraclp.r  of  Dr.  fValts'^  writings^  ii  exceedingly  luimrablc  in  paint  <> 
orthodexy.      W  ere  any  persoa  to  accuse  such  a   man  as   llervev,  c 
Boston,  or  Brown,  orScotl^of  gross  hereby  on    any  of  these  subjects. 
•it  would  never  call  forth  the  zealous  etTortsofhis  friends  to  defend  him. 
It  could  do  notnore  than  excite  a  smile  of  mingled  pily  ar.<l  contemp 
for  the  accuser.     Biitwas  not  Dr.  Watts  a  good  man?     \Vc  hoj>e  €o 
Hov  then  can  his  Writings  do  hrtrm?     Let  Dr.  Miller  answer: — "As  a 
iiterary  and  scientific  teacher  may  put  others  on  the  way  of  being  far 
more  learned  than  himself;  so  ecclesiastical  history  furnishes  many  ex- 
amples of  Theologians,  who,  though  ^ubslantialJy   orthodox  and  {^x 
vendy  pious  themselves,  did,  ifl  fact,  so  conduct  their  instructions  as  i. 
flpnd  out  pupils — grieirouslj' heretical."     Letters  io  Stuart,  pag«  291 
^^'hat  is  true  of  a  teacher  must,  we  presume,  be  true  of  a  writer. 

(3.)   P.  65.     If  any  well  meaoing  persons  shall  be  otlbnded  with  th: 
-remark,  it  vvill  be  to  us  a  source  of  regret,  as  our  object  is  not  to  in 
•tate.      It  is  made  deliberately  \  aftiTa  ca-reful  comparison  of  the  view:*, 
'iexhibited  by  the  three  writers,  and  of  therr  manner  of  cxpoun(i.,n<r  par- 
.  :ular  texts  of  scripture;  and  W€  have  oidy  toobserve — and  th^obsei 
v  Jtion  may  be  taktn  either  as  our  apology  or  jusff/icution—^\mrm^^doei» 
not  arise  from  the  d*  scriptitm,  butiVom  the  real  cbarcxtev^'  <iud  senti- 
ments "of  ministers." 

(4.)  P.  67.  The  exislenreof  different  denominations  in  the  Church, 
is  often  professedly  regretted,  because  it  **opcns  txie  mouths  of  infidels.'^ 
'ti  is  even  so.     But  here  a^nin  the  mischief  i.s  to  be  Qharged  to  those 
errors  which  give  rise  to  different  denomlr.ations.     The  evil  must  Hq 
cured    by  attacking  it  in  the  root.     Here  F.uperficiHl  observers  mistaki-. 
They  suppose,  the  giound  of  offence  takvin  by  Deists,  would  he  rem^ 
ed,  if  the  different  denominations  wouh/l  only  coalesce,  though  far  frr  • 
being  agreed  in  sentiment,  i.  e.  the  ev"il  r,oii1d  be  cured  if  Jhc  diller*  i 
parties  could  only  be  got  to  agree  in  outvurd p,rete7icc,  tliough  dith  . 
ing  widely  in  realify.      Deists  profess  to  loo    canrior  and  honcMv- 
would  they  love  this?— But  would  not  t!je  t-ame  .  ontentionsia-e  in'thc 
^idsr  of  the  great  apparently  united  ?^pdv?--^nd  with  greater  fun  ? 


^G 


NOTES. 


And  ib  it  not  possible  for  (wo  different  denominations,  though  mafn^ 
taming  their  separate  conimunions,to  live  peaceably  together  as  friends, 
and  give  less  occasion  to  the  enemy  to  hlasphe/tne^  than  is  sometimes 
given  by  ditfereiit  parties  in  the  same  denomination.  Let  facts  spcak^" 
Doctors  Ely,  Griirin,  and  Perrine,  are  in  the  same  denomination.  Dut 
Dr.  ¥Ay  calls  Dr.  Perrine'ssentiment,"mongrei  Hopkinslan-Arminian- 
ism" — and  Dr.  Penine  himself,  he  calls,  "the  Alleghany  mountain 
Doctor — that  elevated  mountain  of  literary  honors  and  Epitaph  mem- 
ory. Q.  T.  R.  Vol.  ii.  p.  132-3.  Dr.  Griffin  he  calls  this  eminent 
teacher  of  false  doctrine  in  the  Presbyterian  church — and  of  him,  he 
says:  "No  Arminian  in  modern  times,  has  vindicated  so  stoutly  as^he, 
the  absurd  notion  o^  ci  razeed  or  docked-down  righteousness,  Ibid.  p. 
249.  Again,  "Oh  that  grammarians  would  introduce  into  their  sys- 
tems a  new  figure  to  be  called  the  ligure  of  literal truth^  that  the  future 
generation  of  Socinian  and  Ilopkinsian  teachers  may  have  some  mode 
of  expressing  the  simple  verity  of  things,  for  with  them  every  thing- 
about  the  salvation  of  sinners  seems  to  be  i\ figure.  Even  Dr.  Griffin's, 
public  assent  to  the  catechism  may  have  been  bl  figurative  assent^  or 
something  designed  to  pass  off  instead  of  it;  and  Dr.  Griffin's  renuncia- 
tion oi  the  Presbyterian  confession  of  faith,  in  relation  to  several  impor- 
tant points  may  be  only  a  tigurative  renunciation."  Ibid.  p.  263.  The 
insinuation  here  draws  deep. — Now  Dr.  Ely  himself,  and  we  ourselves 
are  not  exactly  agreed  on  Ml  points,  and  we  really  do  not  know,  what 
kind  of  a  farce  we  might  act,  were  we  to  unite  without  previously  ad- 
justing our  diiferences — but  we  see  very  little  reason  to  fear  that  we 
shall  ever  disgrace  the  Christian  name  more,  by  retaining  our  distinct^ 
<!ommunions  than  if  we  were  to  unite  and  afterwards  perform  in  thi^ 
style.— Yet  we  do  not  say  the  Doctor  has  treated  the  sentiments  of 
these  men  with  undue  severity. —  We  take  no  pleasure  in  stating  these' 
thin$:s,  but  to  prevent  impositions,  it  is  sometimes  necessary  to  shew, 
that  "it  is  not  all  gold,  that  glitters. 

(5)  P.  82.  This  is  a  hated  doctrine.  Away  zvilh  such  an  idea — i^' 
the  cry  of  the  great  majority  of  professed  Christians.  What  has  rous- 
ed all  this  opposition?  We  believe  the  enmity  of  the  carnal  mind  is  the 
source:  but  enmity  against  the  truth,  especially  when  connected  with 
a  Christian  profession,  must  have  some  plausible  pretence.  What  is 
this?  A  d'^.aire  to  appear  more  charitable  and  liberal,  than  those  wha 
are  contemptuo^^sly  called,  higotled  Calvinists,  This  doctrine  it  is  said' 
doi^s  not  give  all  "a  chance"  of  salvation — -for  it  is  easy  to  be  seen  that^ 
it  shuts  the  door  against  a  universal  atonement. — A  unvcersal  atone- 
ment, and  a  real  atonement,  not  differing  materially  from  the  view  giv- 
en abpve,  has  indeed  been  held  by  some,  (jontradictions  gave  them 
no  difficuhv,  for  they  were  not  perceived  .  But  Hopkinsians  generally, 
are  too  subtile  to  embrace  such  a  creed.  An  indefinite  or  irtiiversal 
atonement,  however,  they  must  have.  They  had  no  other  refuge, than 
tofiitter  the  atoneiuent  away,  or  pair  it  down  to  soniething  whicj^ 


NOTES.  SW 

^i^cures  blessings  for  none,  but  simply  mako3  sahnl'ion  possible  for  all. 
They  now,  cannot  be  f  hargfd  with  holding  «i  f-chcme  whirh  lends  (o 
universal  salvation.  They  have  made  it  easy  to  answer  the  fjueslion, 
why  are  not  all  saved. 

Such  is  //ifir  alonemrnt — for  they  use  the  ftJi-m.  Subslilulion  is  also 
^requcntlv  in  their  aiouths.  But  what  do  they  mean  hy  the  subslilulion 
of  Christ!  Simply  the  ^u^?litulion  of  that  exhibition  which  he  made  oT 
the  "real  disposition  of  God  towards  sin,''  in  the  room  of  {.he punish- 
me.nl  of  sin,  b»it  which  docs  not  imply  (hat  he  was  charged  in  law  with 
h's  people's  sins;  nor  that  he  suiTcrcd  the  punishmeritduc  to  them;  nor 
that  he  satisllcdthecUimsof  law  4' justice;  nor  thai  he  purchased  pardon, 
reconciliation  and  eternal  solvation  for  the  elect;  nothing — but  that  lje 
opened  up  a  vjay^  or  rendered  salvation  possible.  Conseti^tcLtly,  a  poor 
fiinnor  cannot  pray  for  grac^,  to  bring  him  fo  God,  because  Christ 
su^ered  for  sins,  i he  just  for  the  uiyust.  This  is  another  GospeJ. 
Let  Chri>tians  beware,  lest  they  he  imposed  on  by  soui'ds.  The  lan- 
guage of  Scripture  may  be  retained;  hut  if  its  terms  are  used  in  another 
or  improper  sense,  they  may  ho  employed  in  teaching  error,  Miih  as 
much,  and  even  more  etfoct,  than  oUicr  terms. 

(^.J  P.  ao.  "Tlve  iiilexi!»le  advocates  of  ii;. ion.*'  But  it  is  not  our 
habit  to  dci^l  mucli  in  such  ^'enticinsj-words.*'  We  had  long  though!, 
there  is  rriuch  hollow ness  in  many  such  high  sounding  profc5?ions5 
and  the  candid  acknoN^ledgenr»ei.t  of  one,  who  has  labored  much  to  pro- 
mote union,  has  convinced  us,  we  were  not  mistaken.  No  insincerity, 
however,  is  imputed  to  him.  We  quote  hif  worth',  because  coming  from 
one  who  must  be  acquainted  with  the  views  and  feelings  of  his  co-work- 
ers, they  must  be  considered  as  decisive  proof  of  what  wc  have. just 
stated.  ''Whilst  he''  [the  advocate  for  union  ar:d  liberality]  "joir.s  in 
Bible  Societies  with  others  of  every  denomination,  whilst  he  der;ounc<}3 
bigotry, and  extols  sentiments  of  libeiality ;  and  whilst  he  is  haihc^,  and 
has  his  harangue  reciprocated  by  tbosc  of  dillerent  sects,  he  rs  i  ot  sure 
that  they  are  friendly  to  his  particular  views  and  party,  ard  on  his  return 
home  he  feela  m'^re  sensibly,  that  alllhings  are  gellij  g  ailoat,  and  that 
he  cannot  calculate  on  tiie  public  liberality  tor  the  support  ar.d  protec- 
tion of  the  bark  in  which  he  sails."  Signs  of  the  times,  by  J.  MTar- 
Jaiid  of  Paris,  Ken.  page  23.  Who  would  have  thought,  that  ih**  litth 
trembling  partisan  devoted  to  the  intf  rests  of  a  sect,  and  theor;cr/;  noisy 
advocate  for  libf^rality  and  charity  without  regard  to  sect,  are,  afreraU, 
hut  one  nnd  the  same  person! 

(1,)  P.  91.  Tj"t  no  one  fupposc  it  imno?sible,  that  n  minister  of  an 
orthodox  church,  cf»uld  be  dragged  thus  far.  Dr.  Fly,  does  give  us  to 
know,  that  he  could  have  communion  with  /^rian«.  In  his  Q.  T.  Re- 
view, Vol.  T.  page  153,  speaking  of  a  Synodiral  letter  he  says — "We  did 
not  even  proceed  so  far  a?  to  advise  the  exclusion  of  these  pei-ons  from 
the  communion  of  the  Lord^s  Table;  for  we  believp  that  a  man  may 
hold  a  damning  error;  that  »«,  an  error  which  is  calculated  (o  deeiroy 


BTjenjand  not  be  himseir  in  every  instance  damned  by  ^1;  we  think  that 
an  Arian,an  Arrnsman,  a  Hopkinsian,  and  a  Uiiiversalist,  may  give  us 
reasoa  to  suppose  he  is  a  renewed  man;  but  we  are  confident,  that  no 
crrorist  of  either  kind  ought  to  be  an  Elder  or  Pastor  in  the  Presbyterian 
church,''  The  Doctor  then  has  no  objections  to  their  being  private 
church  members;  and  enjoying  commuDion.  What  kind  of  Christiani- 
ty niMst  prevail  xn  any  district  of  country,  to  enable  a  man  to  give  utter- 
ance to  such  sentiments,  with  any  prospect  that  public  opinion  will 
**bear  him  out  or  bear  him  harmless?"  Let  not  the  question  be  answer- 
ed, without  a  moment's  previous  retiection^ 

Some  fearless  spirits  have  indeed  insinuated,  that  the  Doctor  and 
more  of  his  brethren  m  the  oty  of  Philadelphia,  do  hold  communion 
with  Arians,  every  time  they  sit  down  at  the  Lord's  Table  in  their  own 
eorigregations.  For  the  truth  of  this  we  cannot  vouch:  but  the  strain  of 
the  Doctor's  writings,  makes  it  probabie,  so  far  as  he  is  concerned.  And 
sf  he  preaches  as  he  sometimes  writes,  should  half  his  congregation, 
at  no  very  distant  day,  become  Arians,  or  something  worse,  no  one  touJd 
Siiy  that  the  event  was  not  to  have  been  expected.  A  preacher  may 
show  much  filming  zea!  against  error,  to  please  the  orthodox  part  of  his 
audience; but  at  the  same  time,  take  such  good  care  not  to  oSend  error- 
Ists,  by  following  them  up  with  his  charitable  allowances,  hi  favor  of 
t^ieir  sincere  piety, as  entirely  to  neutralize  all  he  has  said.  Under  the 
severest  crastigatron,  the  errorist  feels  €|uite  comfortable;  because  he 
knows  he  has  the  preacher  s©  completely  under  his  brow,  that  he  will 
Slot  fail  io  compliment  him  before  he  has  done  for  fear  o(  driving  him: 
away.  What  proud  spirited  rebel  against  the  Living  God,  would  not 
Goiisent  to  take  a  sound  flagellation  from  the  pulpit  once  a  week,  for  the 
pleasing  consciousnesSj  that  he  possesses  suth  influence  over  an  Enabas- 
sador  of  Christ? 


CONTENTS' 


vfct  to  amend  the  consfitic- 

iion  of  the  A.  R,  chitrc/iy  10 

Synod's  delinite  view  of  cliap- 
ter3   26-  i20~23— and    24 
of  the  confession  of  f.iilli,         id. 
Terms  of  church  mennbcrfhip,     id. 
Constitution  of  the  Jl.  R,  cf'  nch       3 
Covenant  of  >vorks  15 

Its  cllcctstownnl*'  nnbeJicvors 

and  their  o'-  -  to  it        id. 

Believers  and  rs  un- 

der  obli^at!  in  a 

manner  suite(i  r  res- 

pictivc  charactei  t  id. 

The  requisitions  of  the  moral 

law  upon  unbelievers  idem 

Believers  how  delivered  from 

the  moral  law  idem 

Error. f,  th c  state  and  progress  of    44 
Religious   opinions  no*^   mat- 
ter of  indilFerence  55 
Vigilance  against  the  influ- 
ence of  error  necessary       idem 
Arminianism — in  the  N.Eng- 
land churches  56 
President  Edwards                  idem 
Philosophizing  on  religion      idem 
Dr.  Ilopkin's  Theory  57 
professor  Stuart's  Tiieory  on 
the     eternal     Sonship     of 
Christ                                           58 
Dr.  Miller's  reply                    idem 
Sociiiian  error  under  the  name 
Unitarian  embraced  in  Bos- 
ton,    Philadelphia,    Balti- 
more, Kentucky,  &c.                59 
The  tendency  of  Hopkinsi^n 

views  to  Unitarianism         idem 
Isaac  Watts  D.  D.  His  treat- 
ise on  the  glory  of  Christ 
as  God  man  60 

The  tendency  of  this  work  to 

promote  Unitarianism         idem 
Jlymns    aud   Psalms   of  Dr. 
Watts  have  the  same  ten- 
dency 61 


Dr.  Ely  idem 

Dr.  Wafts  proved  an  anli-tnn- 
itarian  by  James  R.  Wil- 
son 62 

Barton  W.  Stone.  A  New- 
light  idem 

Bi^ot<*d  attachment  to  the 
Psalms  and  Mymns  oi  Watts 
— Their  popularity  attend- 
ed with  pernicious  conse- 
quences 63 

Zeal  for  the  Psalms  and 
Hymns  of  Watts  has  If^d  to 
undervalue  the  whole  book 
of  God  04 

Mr.  Murdock — on  the^atone- 
ment  idem 

Dr.  Griffin — on  the  atone- 
ment.    Both  erroneous       idem 

7' he  western  New  lights — 
their  origin — mostly  Uriita- 
lian  S& 

Wilson  Thompson,  a  baptist 
— his  errors  idem 

Attempts  to  unite  parties  ad- 
hering to  jarring  creeds 
— vain  6ft 

Testimony  on  the  doctrme  of 
the  Trinity  OT 

On  the  eternal  Son- 
ship  of  Christ  74 


-On  the  Mediatorial 
person  of  Christ  76 

On  the  Mediatorial 

Righteousness  of  Christ  79 

Union  in  the  church  desirable. 
The  grounds  on  which  it 
should  be  sought  89 

Notes.  93 

Faith  and  Jw^t  if  cation  39 

Appropriation  and  assurance 

of  faith  idem 

Definition  of  faith  idem 

Faith-a  grace— a  saving  grace 

— its  office  &c.  40 

The  duty  of  gospel  bearers        41, 


The  command  ofGoJ,  to  be 

lievc  ,. 
The  object  offaidi 
Appropriation;  what? 
Assurance  of  faith;  what 
Objections  answered 
Distinction  hetneen  assurance 

of  faith   and  assurance  of 

serse 
Of  Juslificolion 
Justification,  an  act 


41 
idem 

42 
43 
44 


-Origin  of^ — 


45 

47 
idtm 
idem 


^ili^lUeoufne?.-'  of  Christ,  wh.al?  id. 
J  Imputation  of  Cbrisl's  ohe»]i- 
s.;      t'nce  to  the  prer<^pt  of  t'le 
!'uv,alruth  of  gre^t  import- 


1. 


l-C 


—  ^... 

Uighleon?nes&«  by  imputation  idtm 

Faith  justifies;  how?  idem 

Righteousness  j?jstities;  how?     48 

Hearers  of  the  gospel  divid<  d 
into  believers  and  unbe- 
lievers idem 

,Tustifica{'on  before  believing 
impossible  49 

The  elect  not  justified  from 
eternity,  idem 

Justificat'n  confounded  wiih 
election  idem 

Tes  I  imonics  judicial  G 

To  testify  for    the   truths  of 
God's  word,  the  duty  of  all 
-  -ChriR^inn?— especially   the 
mipisiers  and  judicatories  7 

Judicial  testimonies  must  ho 
wisely  adapted  idfrn 

Distinction  between  fixed  and 
occasional  testimonies         idem 

Ileasoris  why  s-ypod  declinf' 
cnrattinjT  any  oiher  fixed 
testlinory  than  tlie  Confes- 
sion of  Faith  &.r.  idem 
,  Reasons  why  s}  nod  adopted 
the  plan  of  emitting  occa- 
sional  testimonies  0 

In-putraion  of  Chiist's  rigbl- 
eousnefs  13     -• 


truih  should  be  proceeded 
against  by  the  censures  of 
the  church 

Christ's  subjection  to  the  laW 
did  not  ai:se  merely  from  his 
assumption    of  human   na- 
ture— but  from  an  act  of  his 
own  SQjr'ereignty 

Christ's  death  not  abstractly 
but  as  the  terniitation  ofajl 
his  sufn^ring;  tfev  ground  of 
rur  pardon  and  salvation     idcna 

l^he  Kingly  authority  of  the 
Lard  Jesus  ,  52 

FsahnoiJy  17 

Singing  an  important  branch 
ef  moral  worsliip  idera 

Used  order  the  Old  Testa- 
ment dispensation,  and  its 
observance  under  the  New 
Tes^  dispensation  foretold 
in  ancient  prophecy  idem 

Is  a  principal  part  of  worship 
of  the  cluirch  militant  and 
triumphant  idem 

The  inspired  sorgs  of  scrip- 
ture to  be  used  in  the 
cliurcli  to  the  ertd  of  the 
worhJ  idem 

The  different  uses  to  be  made 

.     of  thicse  SO' gs  idem 

Urinppireil  devotional  gono"-,  n  cor- 
r'jption  in  the  worship  of  God  &r  high- 
ly oiTVnsive  in  ir\  its  con-^cquenre?,     if?. 

Ttu^  maimer  of  singinffpioise  to  God,     IC 

I'lio  version  of  Scripture  songs  now 
us':d  .  idem 

Tlie  tunes  to  be  used  in  religious 
^rorsliip,  idem 

Chorus  of  sineefs  nf>t  lawful,  idem 

In'-fmrrrtital  nnvpic  not  saEctioned 
in  tlir  NewTe?tamppt,  idem 

SMiodicni  extract  from  Horn  on 
Pr-aliiifxlj'^   ,, 

—      -^B^om  tlie  CiTristian  R 


M> 


ance 


14 


TSioee   departing   from 


th: 


rricnibraTJorr,    on  the   manner    of 

sinjrin?  in  publio  worship,  3"? 

PcliitiovA  connexions  of  tlie  synod j  1 1 
S^i?0(i'-  view  of  the  national  and  ?oI 

cmn  leatrue  ard  covenants,  t# 

T/^e  Slipper  o/the  Lord,  1« 

Its  in-tittttiors  it'^nn 

Us  frequciit  observaniys  idem 


